Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Outer Banks
Spring is right around the corner, which means many motorcyclists will take advantage of the pleasant weather and spend more time on the road. While motorcycles provide a great sense of freedom, cyclists should be aware of the dangers that come with sharing the road with larger vehicles.
Without the safety features provided to the drivers and passengers of cars and trucks, motorcyclists are much more likely to be injured in crashes. Even though only three percent of registered vehicles in the United States are motorcycles, motorcyclists account for 14 percent of all car accident fatalities, and motorcyclist fatalities occur 27 times more frequently than fatalities of drivers or passengers in other vehicles. To avoid being seriously injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, bikers should be sure to take the proper safety precautions.
If you have been injured in a crash, call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to meet with one of our Outer Banks motorcycle accident lawyers to find out what legal recourse you may have.
Safety Tips for Motorcyclists
Helmets
Under North Carolina law, all operators and passengers on motorcycles and mopeds must wear a motorcycle safety helmet that complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. Not wearing a helmet is incredibly risky. Bikers are likely to experience head and neck injuries in a collision, and wearing a helmet reduces the risk of death by 37 percent.
Clothing
Most motorcycle accidents occur because drivers do not see motorcycles near their vehicles. Motorcyclists can help themselves be noticed by drivers by wearing highly visible clothing.
Rules of the Road
Motorcyclists must follow the same laws as other drivers, obeying street signs and traffic signals. They cannot pass between two vehicles traveling in the same direction, and they may not pass a vehicle on the right unless there is at least eight feet of unobstructed room.
Road Hazards
Riders should take extra care to avoid or account for potholes, road construction, puddles, road debris, railroad tracks, or any other conditions that may cause them to lose control of their motorcycle.
Watch for Passengers
The additional weight of another person on a motorcycle can affect handling, acceleration, and braking. Cyclists with passengers should be sure to take extra caution, especially when driving downhill, navigating corners, and passing other vehicles.
Stay Sober
Do not drink alcohol or use drugs before operating a motorcycle – Studies have shown that nearly 50 percent of cyclists killed in motorcycle accidents had alcohol in their system. Even if you are not above the legal blood alcohol limit of .08 percent, drinking any amount of alcohol can impair your ability to operate a motorcycle safely, so it is best to avoid drinking altogether before using your motorcycle.
Most Common Types of Motorcycle Injuries
Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries due to the relative lack of protection compared to enclosed vehicles. The most common injuries sustained in these accidents often involve multiple systems of the body, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering trauma.
Head injuries are among the most critical and prevalent in motorcycle accidents, even when helmets are worn. Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur due to impacts on the ground or other vehicles. These injuries can lead to long-term cognitive impairment or even death in severe cases.
Road rash is another common motorcycle accident injury caused by friction between the skin and the road surface. It can range from mild abrasions to deep lacerations requiring skin grafts. Road rash causes physical pain and can lead to infections and permanent scarring.
Fractures and orthopedic injuries are frequent due to the impact forces involved. Broken bones in the legs, arms, ribs, and spine are common, often requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation. Joint injuries, such as dislocations or torn ligaments, are also prevalent and can result in long-term mobility issues.
Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, are often overlooked initially but can be life-threatening if not promptly treated. The impact of a motorcycle accident can cause organs to shift or be punctured by broken bones or debris.
Emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are also significant yet often underestimated consequences of motorcycle accidents. Survivors may experience anxiety, depression, or phobias related to riding or even being near motorcycles.
Call Our Personal Injury Law Firm for Legal Assistance
Some of the most frequent injuries that clients of an Outer Banks motorcycle accident attorney suffer include brain injuries, broken bones, spinal trauma, and paralysis. Our accident attorneys understand that the injuries motorcycle accident victims sustain often leave them with permanent disabilities that not only create physical limitations but also result in significant financial losses.
If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident this year, contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to find out what legal options you may have against the driver who caused the crash. It is critical not to delay because North Carolina injury laws have strict rules regarding how long you have to file your personal injury claim. If the statute of limitations expires, you will be unable to collect financial damages for any medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, or any other losses you or your family may be entitled to.