Is there Helmet Laws in North Carolina?

Motorcycle riding can quickly turn from a pleasant activity into a serious tragedy if you get hit by another vehicle. Motorcycle riders are in a particularly vulnerable position because of the lack of adequate protection that a car or an SUV offers. Seemingly insignificant mistakes of other drivers can cause severe injuries while you are riding a motorcycle.

What Causes Motorcycle Accidents in North Carolina?

Visibility is one of the biggest challenges faced by motorcyclists because of the comparatively small size of the bike. Here are a few common causes of motorcycle accidents in North Carolina:

• Left-turn accidents: These occur when a driver turns left into an approaching motorcycle in the oncoming lane or a passing motorcycle.
• Head-on collision: These occur when the other driver passes and collides into a motorcycle coming from the other direction.
• Lane change accidents: These accidents take place when the car changes lanes without checking mirrors and ends up side-swiping a motorcycle.

These are a few other causes of motorcycle accidents in addition to the ones caused because of the bike’s lower visibility on the road:

• Distracted driving: Drivers paying less than complete attention because of calling, texting, or fiddling with the radio among other things can cause this type of accident.
• Drowsy driving: Sleepy drivers are less alert and have slower reaction times. This increases the likelihood of an accident.
•  DWI/DUI: Driving under the influence causes similar accidents to drowsy driving. It is incredibly hazardous to motorcyclists.
• Tailgating: Tailgating drivers behind a motorcycle may not be able to stop in time if the motorcyclist suddenly brakes

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Severe injuries following a motorcycle accident is more common than you may think because motorcycles don’t offer very much by way of protection. These injuries can cause severe damage. They can also be life-altering in some cases. You may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, emotional trauma, and lost wages if you were in a motorcycle accident and got injured.

Common injuries following a motorcycle accident include:

• Bruising
• Road Rash
• Muscle Tears
• Broken Bones
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Neck and Back Injuries
• Cuts/Scrapes
• Partial or Complete Paralysis
• Internal Bleeding
• Organ Damage
• Spinal Cord Injuries

Can You Claim Damages if You Weren’t Wearing a Helmet?

North Carolina operates under a strict contributory negligence doctrine. You will not be in a position to recover damages if you have any part in the liability. You are in violation of state laws if you were not wearing a helmet. This can impact your claim. Your motorcycle accident attorney will advise you about the case specifics, which makes it important to get in touch with an experienced lawyer quickly.

Speak With a North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcycle accidents result in costly medical bills and devastating injuries frequently. It can be intimidating to handle high-value, complex claims alone. This is especially when you are struggling with completing day-to-day tasks. The experienced motorcycle lawyers at Tatum & Atkinson, PLLC are here to help you. We can relieve the pressure of your case by handling all its legal aspects leaving you free to focus on your health.

Contact us today at 800-529-0804 or use our online form to learn more about your legal rights in a free and no-obligation case review.