Hickory Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Gastonia, NC

Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries that impact nearly every area of your life. If you were injured in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence, a Hickory motorcycle accident lawyer can explain your rights and the potential factors that may impact your claim. Motorcycle accident cases can be very different from other motor vehicle collisions.

Fault, injury severity, and insurance coverage are often contested, so it is important to understand how North Carolina law may apply to your case.

A Law Firm You Can Count On

At Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, we proudly serve residents and families in Hickory and its nearby communities. For over ten years, our firm has compassionately guided clients through some of the most difficult situations imaginable. We treat each client with respect, honesty, and individual attention. Our team believes in empowering our clients by explaining how the legal system can affect their future.

Motorcycle Accidents in Hickory

North Carolina saw 212 motorcycle fatalities in 2024. Despite making up only 3% of all registered vehicles and 0.6% of all vehicle miles driven in the U.S., motorcyclists accounted for 16.2% of all fatal crashes and 3.6% of all injuries in 2024.

Traffic flow through Hickory is heavy due to Interstate 40 and numerous surrounding roads, such as U. S. Highway 321 and U. S. Highway 70. While many motorcyclists ride for fun along the beautiful roads around the foothills of western North Carolina, heavy traffic can also lead to more accidents.

Motorcycles can be harder for other drivers to see, especially when making turns or merging with traffic. Failure to see motorcycles can cause catastrophic injuries to riders in an accident. Even a low-speed crash can have serious consequences if the rider does not have much protection from the impact. Accidents may occur near highway exits, intersections, or busy commercial areas, when other drivers may not be looking for motorcycles sharing the road.

The Value of a Motorcycle Accident Case

After a crash, you may be wondering how much your motorcycle accident case is worth. Every case is different, but several factors typically have a role in assessing its value. The severity of your injuries is typically the most substantial factor in determining value. Major injuries that require surgery, rehabilitation, or lifelong treatment usually result in more significant damages than mild injuries.

Medical bills, lost wages, future treatments, and loss of earning capacity are some examples of damages that can affect your case’s value. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are other factors that may be considered. Since everyone experiences an injury differently, analyzing the resulting damages requires a close look at how the crash impacted your daily life.

Establishing Fault After a Motorcycle Accident

Determining who is liable for your injuries is another important aspect of any motorcycle accident case. You may not be allowed to seek compensation for your injuries if the other driver was not at fault. Police reports, witness testimony, and photos from the accident, along with medical records and damage assessments, are often used to determine who caused the accident.

Insurance companies may offer to settle if the liable party is obvious. When there is a dispute over who was at fault, your claim could be worth less. You can’t be sure of a judge’s or jury’s decision once a case heads to court.

Determining who was at fault may not always be clear after investigating the facts of your collision. Gathering evidence can let you and your attorney understand the strengths and weaknesses of your motorcycle accident case.

Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Injured motorcyclists choose to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer for many reasons. In motorcycle accidents, where injuries can be quite severe and require a long recovery period, establishing liability is often a major issue, as is dealing with insurance companies. It is important to establish who is at fault, calculate your damages, and understand how motorcycle accident laws apply to your situation.

If you were injured on Interstate 40, U.S. Highway 321, U.S. Highway 70, or another road in Hickory or the surrounding areas, Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, can help. A Hickory motorcycle accident attorney can review the facts of your case and explain your legal rights.

FAQs

Who’s at Fault If a Motorcycle Is Lane Splitting?

Who is at fault depends on how the accident occurred. North Carolina law does not explicitly allow lane splitting. If an accident occurs while a rider is moving between lanes of traffic, they may be found partially or completely at fault. However, another driver may also be liable if they made an improper lane change, were distracted, or otherwise acted carelessly. Every accident is determined based on its individual facts.

Do Motorcyclists Have to Stop at Stop Signs in NC?

Yes. Motorcyclists must follow the same traffic control devices as motorists. This means stop signs and traffic lights must be obeyed, and motorcyclists must stop at stop signs and yield the right-of-way when necessary. Obeying all traffic laws can prevent you from receiving a citation and being found at fault if you’re involved in an accident.

What Does It Mean When a Motorcyclist Taps Their Helmet Twice?

Motorcyclists tapping the top of their helmet twice is typically a signal to other riders that there could be police ahead. Riders use hand signals to communicate information about road conditions, such as debris, accidents, or hazards, as they cannot verbally communicate. The helmet signal is not officially recognized by traffic laws.

Do Cops Care If You Have a Motorcycle License?

Cops care if you don’t have your motorcycle license while riding. North Carolina riders are typically required to have a motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle license to operate a motorcycle. If you are stopped by police and discovered to not have the appropriate license, you may be issued citations and fines. Not having your motorcycle license while riding can cause issues with insurance claims and legal action if you are in an accident.

Contact Us Today

When you are in a motorcycle accident, it is important to understand your rights and legal options if you wish to seek compensation. Our personal injury attorney can provide detailed guidance and representation for your case. Contact us today to learn more.