Cornelius Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Cornelius Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle accidents can be life-changing events, leaving their victims with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about the future. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, a top-notch Cornelius motorcycle accident lawyer is standing by to help. The legal team at The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C., understands the challenges you’re facing because we’ve helped many North Carolinians just like you get through similar situations.

Our team knows the unique risks, obstacles, and prejudices motorcyclists face–both on the road and in the courtroom. Our seasoned and highly reputable motorcycle injury law team is ready to help you respond with world-class legal representation that will help you protect your rights and secure the largest possible settlement to help you recover.

How Motorcycle Accidents Happen in North Carolina

Motorcycle accidents are, unfortunately, a regular occurrence in the State of North Carolina. Official state data shows around 4,000 motorcycle accidents in the state every year, with 3,000 injuries and 200 fatalities. Mecklenburg County sees its fair share of these incidents, with over 250 yearly motorcycle crashes, including 14 fatalities.

In fact, Mecklenburg County may actually be getting more dangerous for bikers, with the 5-year average for motorcycle crashes at 262, but the 2023 number outpacing the trend at 282. These numbers underscore the need for roadway infrastructure, public policy, safety gear, and quality legal assistance so that injured bikers can secure the compensation they are entitled to.

Motorcycle crashes and other roadway incidents can occur for a variety of reasons. As a general rule, anything that can cause a car crash can also cause a motorcycle crash. The latter, unfortunately, can have far more severe consequences, even at low speeds, due to the less stable and protected nature of a motorcycle when compared to a vehicle with an enclosed cab.

Some of the more commonly cited underlying causes of motorcycle accidents in North Carolina and other states include:

• Distracted Driving – When a motorist fails to notice a motorcycle because they are distracted by their cell phone (or some other activity), the consequences for bikers can be devastating.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving – Drivers who exceed posted speed limits, change lanes without looking, or fail to follow the rules of the road pose a danger to themselves and everyone else on the road, including motorcyclists.
• Driving Under the Influence – Drunk and drugged drivers continue to be a problem on North Carolina highways and are behind some of the most severe motorcycle accidents.
• Failure to Yield – A significant percentage of motorcycle accidents occur at or near intersections, usually when a car or truck pulls out illegally, failing to yield to an oncoming motorcycle with the legal right of way.
• Road Hazards – Potholes can do a number on a car’s tires and suspension, but for a biker, they can be downright deadly. Loose gravel is another common hazard that poses little problem for a car but can cause a motorcycle to wipe out if encountered unexpectedly.
• Weather – North Carolina’s coastal weather patterns frequently lead to wet surfaces and reduced visibility, posing additional dangers for any motorcycles caught out on the road.

Many crashes have unique circumstances or are the result of a complex combination of different factors. If you are unsure whether your motorcycle injuries are legally actionable, we encourage you to contact our office to set up a consultation where we can review the details of your case.

North Carolina Motorcycle Injuries

The results of motorcycle crashes are, unfortunately, just as diverse and varied as the underlying causes, with a long list of possible injuries that might be sustained during a motorcycle accident. These include:

• Head Injuries – Traumatic head and brain injuries are both one of the most common results of motorcycle accidents and one of the most potentially severe, with lifelong sensory issues and permanent brain damage possible. While North Carolina has motorcycle helmet laws in place to help reduce the incidence and severity of head injuries, such injuries do still occur.
• Spine and Neck – Injuries to the spinal cord can also lead to serious, persistent medical and mobility issues, including paralysis in the most severe cases.
• Broken and Fractured Bones – Motorcycle crashes can be high-speed, high-impact events and regularly result in broken bones for riders or passengers.
• Road Rash, Burns, and Lacerations – Many types of external physical damage are possible in a motorcycle crash. Cuts and burns, including “road rash,” are very common.
• Internal Organs – Being violently thrown from a motorcycle can also result in internal injuries, making it important to seek medical care after such an injury.

If you need medical assistance in Cornelius, Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center is located at 10030 Gilead Rd in Huntersville. Also, Atrium Health Lake Norman in Cornelius is expected to open later in 2025.

FAQs

What Is the Most Common Injury in a Motorcycle Accident?

The most common injury in a motorcycle accident is road rash, which is a form of severe and painful friction burn. Road rash typically occurs when a biker is thrown from their motorcycle in the course of an accident and comes in contact with pavement or concrete at a high rate of speed, resulting in serious burns and abrasions. The prevalence of road rash underscores the importance of quality riding gear, such as a sturdy leather jacket.

How Long Does It Take for Insurance to Pay Out a Total Loss?

It can take several weeks, or even months, for insurance to complete the payout process after an accident in which the motorcycle is damaged beyond repair or past the point where repairs would cost more than the value of the vehicle, thus rendering it “totaled” in insurance terms. The total time it will take to receive an insurance payout depends on various factors, such as the complexity of your accident, the ensuing investigation, and the demeanor of the insurance carriers involved.

What Happens to a Motorcycle After an Accident?

What happens to a motorcycle after an accident depends on the unique circumstances of that accident. In most situations, the motorcycle’s owner will be responsible for removing the vehicle from the crash scene, but only after authorities have given permission to do so. In other cases, a motorcycle might be considered evidence and can be impounded by the police for use in criminal proceedings.

Cornelius, NC’s Trusted Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one have been hurt in a motorcycle accident in the Cornelius, NC, area, the team at The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C. is available to help. We offer fully customized legal representation to meet each client’s needs and may be able to help you secure a significant compensation package in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident.