Gastonia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Gastonia, NC

Motorcycle crashes can change your life forever. If you suffered injuries because of another driver’s careless actions, a Gastonia motorcycle accident lawyer can explain your legal rights and options under North Carolina law. Motorcycle accidents often cause serious injury or death because riders have less protection than passengers inside vehicles. Collisions on Interstate 85, Franklin Boulevard, or New Hope Road can be devastating.

Getting to Know Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC

At Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, we serve residents of Gastonia and the surrounding communities. Our law firm has been representing clients with legal issues for over ten years. We believe that every person who trusts us with their legal affairs should be treated with respect and honesty.

You deserve compassionate legal advice from an attentive advocate. Our attorneys are here to serve North Carolina and South Carolina while providing crucial information and support.

How Motorcycle Accidents Are Different

In 2024, there were 212 motorcycle deaths in North Carolina. Motorcyclists were responsible for 16.2% of all traffic fatalities and 3.6% of all injuries in 2024, despite making up only 3% of the total vehicles that were registered and 0.6% of all vehicle miles driven in the U.S.

Motorcycle accidents can be more severe than typical car collisions. Motorcycles provide very little protection to riders, even when they wear helmets and other protective gear. Riders can be thrown from their bikes during a crash and suffer an impact with other vehicles, the road itself, or fixed objects. Common injuries include: 

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Road rash
• Internal injuries

Traffic along Gastonia’s busy roads continues to grow every year. Many accidents occur at intersections, like those near Eastridge Mall, Cox Road, or U. S. Highway 321. Drivers should always be mindful of motorcycles when passing through busy intersections. It can be difficult to see a bike when compared to a car or truck. Tragically, some motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers who simply don’t see the riders.

Motorcycle Accident Claims and Insurance Disputes

Like all personal injury claims, motorcycle accidents involve questions of fault and damages. Insurance companies may also argue that:

• Motorcyclists assume the risk by riding a motorcycle.
• Riders were partly at fault due to their own negligence.

In some cases, insurance adjusters might even believe stereotypes about motorcyclists when reviewing your claim. For example, riders can be perceived as reckless or aggressive drivers just because they own a motorcycle. This can be especially frustrating if you were injured in an accident that you believe was 100% someone else’s fault.

Evidence can be used to establish fault or liability. This can include: 

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Photographs
• Video surveillance
• Medical records
• Property damage

Accident reconstructionists can also determine what happened during a motorcycle crash.

Contributory Negligence in North Carolina

North Carolina operates under one of the strictest negligence systems in America. When the contributory negligence rule applies, an injured victim may not be allowed to collect damages if they are found partly at fault for the accident’s occurrence.

Contributory negligence greatly affects motorcycle accident claims, as insurance companies frequently attempt to prove that a rider bears even a slight bit of responsibility for the crash. If you are accused of speeding, riding in another vehicle’s lane, or failing to maintain control of your motorcycle, you may have a substantial dispute with the insurance company during settlement talks or litigation.

Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Victims who want to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer typically have questions about:

• Fault for the collision
• How to file an insurance claim
• How to pay for medical bills
• The legal remedies that may be available

Motorcycle accidents also raise unique factual and legal issues that are not present in most car accidents.

If you were involved in an accident on I-85, Franklin Blvd., U.S. Highway 321, or any other street in Gastonia, educating yourself on your rights can enable you to make informed decisions for your future. A qualified Gastonia motorcycle accident attorney can review the circumstances of your case. Then, they can discuss the importance of motorcycle accident laws and how they apply to your motorcycle accident case.

FAQs

Who Is at-Fault in Motorcycle Accidents?

Any motorist can be at fault in a motorcycle crash. Typically, the fault lies with another driver who failed to see the motorcyclist when making a lane change, turned into traffic, or simply failed to yield the right of way. Sometimes, the rider is also at fault for speeding or riding distracted before the collision occurred.

What Is the 4-Second Rule for Motorcycles?

The 4-second rule says that motorcyclists should leave at least a four-second following distance between their motorcycle and the vehicle in front of them. This provides additional space and time to react if the leading vehicle suddenly brakes, a road hazard appears, or an erratic driver swerves into your lane. You may need more following distance in poor weather conditions, heavy traffic, or any other time you cannot see well ahead of you.

What Are the Motorcycle Laws in North Carolina?

The motorcycle laws in North Carolina require motorcyclists and their passengers to wear a helmet that meets Department of Transportation standards. Every motorcycle on the state’s roadways also needs to be registered and insured, and riders should always have a valid motorcycle license. Standard motorists’ rules apply to motorcyclists as well. This means that riders should follow all posted speed limits and know who has the right-of-way.

Is NC a No-Chase State for Motorcycles?

North Carolina is not a no-chase state for motorcycles. Police can technically chase motorcycles when they feel it is necessary. Some police departments may have policies about chasing motorcycles, but those policies usually allow the officer to consider traffic conditions and the potential danger to the public when deciding whether to initiate a chase.

Request a Consultation

Personal injury attorney at Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC understands how serious motorcycle accidents can be. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, we can seek compensation while you focus on recovery. Contact us today to request a consultation.