One of the most fun – and the most dangerous – vehicles is a motorcycle. Although the thrill of riding can be exhilarating, there is an alarming danger to both operator and passenger because of the lack of protection there is when riding a motorcycle. This is why injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident can be so serious.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- Bikers are 26 times likelier to die in a vehicle accident.
- Bikers are five times likelier to be injured as compared to passengers in cars.
- Bikers are at risk for injury or death in 80 percent of motorcycle accidents.
Injuries from a motorcycle accident are not always immediately apparent. This can cause the victim to suffer even more harm if they don’t seek immediate medical attention.
After a motorcycle accident, even if you think you are fine, see a doctor immediately for a comprehensive exam. What may at first appear to be minor symptoms can quickly escalate when in fact you’ve suffered a serious injury. For example, a minor headache can lead to unconsciousness, depending on the nature of the injury. See a doctor before this happens. An exam that includes X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI can locate injuries that are not outwardly visible, including brain injuries that can be incapacitating or fatal.
Go to Court or Settle?
This may not be an easy decision. It’s important to discuss your options with an experienced North Carolina motorcycle accident attorney. After examining your case in-depth, your attorney will develop a legal strategy with the goal of obtaining the best possible outcome. For some motorcycle accident victims, pursuing a lawsuit is the right decision. For others, having their attorney negotiate a settlement is the right decision. It will depend on the circumstances of your case.
Very often the decision to settle or to take your case to court rests on these factors:
- Is the victim likely to recover more damages by negotiating a settlement or winning a lawsuit? Your attorney will be familiar with similar cases and know if there is a cap on the total dollar amount that a victim can win in a lawsuit. Compare that to how much your case is worth, and it may help you decide which avenue to pursue.
- How much will it cost the victim to go to trial versus negotiate a settlement (which is usually costlier)? Your North Carolina motorcycle accident attorney will provide you with an honest assessment of what you stand to gain.
- How long will the court case take to resolve as compared to a settlement negotiation (which is usually faster)? If the victim has medical bills piling up and has lost wages due to their injury, they may want to fast-track the recovery of their damages.
Contact Us Today for Help
A North Carolina motorcycle accident attorney knows that many victims suffer brain injuries, broken bones, paralysis, spinal trauma, and more. 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 are injured in a motorcycle accident, it is critical not to delay contacting the legal team at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to take action on your case before the statute of limitation expires. If that happens, you will be unable to collect financial damages for losses you or your family may be entitled to.
Our firm also offers a free motorcycle injury guide which offers information that you may find helpful.
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