Motorcycle Wrecks
Last updated on May 18, 2026
Motorcycle accidents commonly result in catastrophic injuries, simply because motorcyclists do not have any sort of protection against collisions with larger vehicles. Biker head injuries, back and neck injuries are not uncommon. These accidents are often fatal.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious motorcycle accident, you need to get in touch with a trusted personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You need to find out what your rights are, and you need to make certain they are protected. The law office of R. Steve Bowden & Associates has decades of experience representing accident victims and their families in personal injury and wrongful death claims. Our team approach includes personal attention and individualized service in every case. Contact our North Carolina motorcycle accident lawyers for a free initial consultation.
Motorcycle Riders Have A Right to Use the Road
Most motorcycle riders would agree that the driving public does not give adequate consideration to motorcyclists. Drivers of other vehicles do not properly yield right of way. They do not check blind spots before changing lanes. They simply do not look for motorcycles, and this is the cause of many serious accidents. Our lawyers are committed to holding these drivers accountable for their negligence and the harm they have caused.
Understanding North Carolina’s Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Your helmet is your first line of defense against life-altering or fatal injuries if a motorcycle crash occurs. North Carolina currently mandates that all operators and passengers on motorcycles or mopeds wear a helmet. That rule applies regardless of age.
The helmet should have an inner liner of firm polystyrene foam that is roughly an inch thick and a rigid outer shell. It should have a Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker on the back of the helmet and a permanently attached label identifying the model, date of manufacturer and other key details about the helmet.
Safety Guidelines For Riders And Other Drivers
Safety gear is key to the protection of motorcycle riders. State authorities recommend wearing not just a DOT-approved helmet but also other protective gear. Protective, closed-toe footwear, riding suits, eye protection and gloves can all reduce the risk of injury for riders.
People operating motorcycles and mopeds need to be consistent about adhering to all traffic laws. They should ensure they use turn signals or hand signals as necessary to communicate with others. The more predictable they are in traffic, the less likely they are to end up hurt in a preventable crash.
It is also beneficial to wear brightly colored gear or to add reflective tape to clothing, helmets and the moped or motorcycle for optimal visibility. Avoiding intoxication, distraction and speeding can enhance rider safety on a motorcycle.
For those sharing the road with two-wheeled vehicles, awareness is key to safety. Specifically looking for motorcycles and mopeds, including in a vehicle’s blind spots, can help drivers prevent collisions. It is easy to overlook motorcycles in traffic, even when they are directly across an intersection.
Motorcycles and mopeds have the right to use a full lane, and drivers should not encroach on a rider occupying a lane. Drivers should leave more space when following a motorcycle than they do when following larger vehicles.
The consistent use of turn signals to communicate with others is also important. Drivers may also need to know that not all motorcycles have turn signals that automatically disengage, which means that careful monitoring of a motorcycle with a signal operating is necessary.
Finally, avoiding both intoxication and distraction is critical for traffic safety. Many motorcycle collisions are the result of drunk or distracted drivers failing to notice the smaller vehicles near them on the road.
Pursuing Liability And Compensation
Our attorneys work carefully in motorcycle accident cases to pursue liability, to determine the cause of the accident. That means reviewing police reports and interviewing witnesses, as well as consulting experts and conducting accident reconstruction when necessary. Proving liability is the first step to getting you fair compensation.
Remember: you have a three-year deadline for filing a North Carolina personal injury claim. If the claim involves wrongful death, this shortens to only two years. If you miss the statutes of limitations, you lose the right to seek compensation.
The Insurance Company Is NOT On Your Side®, but We Are
Meeting your needs and getting you fair compensation is our goal at the law office of R. Steve Bowden & Associates. We will stand by your side from start to finish, doing everything we can to help you and your family. Contact our Greensboro motorcycle accident lawyers for a free initial consultation or call us at 336-285-0925. Injured? Let us come to you!
Home and hospital appointments available.
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