Durham Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

At Johnson & Groninger PLLC, we provide expert legal representation for motorcycle crash victims and their families. From navigating insurance claims to pursuing litigation, we are committed to making sure our clients receive the maximum possible compensation for their losses.

How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Durham?

The cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer in Durham varies. At Johnson & Groninger PLLC, our lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case and you get paid.

“Accident” is a misleading term

Motorcycle crashes are often called “motorcycle accidents,” but negligence is not an accident; it’s a failure to follow the rules. Referring to these incidents as “accidents” can obscure who is at fault and downplay the seriousness of the negligent behavior. Using terms like “crash” or “collision” more accurately describes what happened.

Why are motorcycle collisions so serious?

Motorcycle collisions can be particularly severe because motorcycles lack the protective structure of cars and trucks. Also drivers often look only for other cars and trucks on the road and not smaller vehicles, like motorcycles and bicycles, or pedestrians, making two-wheeled vehicle drivers more vulnerable to being hit.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022, “motorcyclists were about 22 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and were 4 times more likely to be injured.” This should not be the case, and holding drivers who cause these crashes accountable is an important part of preventing more of them in the future.

Our hard work pays off for clients

At Johnson & Groninger PLLC, we have successfully handled multiple motorcycle crash cases for our clients. Our Charlotte partner, Ann Groninger, is a licensed motorcycle driver and understands the handling and operation of motorcycles. That knowledge and skill gives us the upper hand in negotiating these cases and, if necessary, presenting them to a jury.

What should I do after being in a motorcycle crash?

Being involved in a motorcycle crash is a stressful situation. If physically possible, take these steps to protect yourself:

1. Get to a safe location, but leave your motorcycle

Leaving your motorcycle and getting to a safe area minimizes your risk of further injury from oncoming traffic. From the safe area, you can assess the situation without the risk of additional danger.

2. Keep on your safety gear

Your safety gear can protect you from further injury if you are still near other vehicles.

3. Call 911 and ask for an ambulance and the police

After a crash, it’s important to receive care and collect as much information as possible. The best way to do this is to call 911 and ask for an ambulance and the police. Medical responders can provide care and transport you to the hospital if needed. The police officer on the scene will write a police report that contains the other driver’s name, address, phone number, insurance information, driver’s license, license plate number, and information from witnesses.

4. Gather evidence at the scene

Gathering evidence is important for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings. You should take pictures of the scene, vehicles involved, damage, road conditions, and nearby traffic signs. Also, you should gather information from witnesses, including their name, phone number, email address, and a statement of what happened.

5. Notify your insurance company

Contact your insurance company to report the incident and initiate the claims process. You’ll need to provide detailed information about the incident, including date, time, location, and the names of other parties involved.

6. Meet with a Durham motorcycle accident lawyer

If you have suffered injuries or damages from a motorcycle crash, the experienced Durham injury lawyers with Johnson & Groninger PLLC are ready to help protect your legal rights and seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today using our secure online form to schedule your free consultation, or you can contact us by phone and call our Durham office at (252) 494-5634.

It is crucial for your case that you speak with an attorney before accepting a settlement from the insurance company. You should never sign anything before your attorney has had time to review the document thoroughly.

How long do I have to file a claim?

You have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury case in court. However, it is highly preferable to begin the claim process immediately and, if necessary, file a lawsuit with plenty of time remaining within the three years. In wrongful death cases, you have two years to file a complaint. You should seek legal counsel long before these deadlines near.

What types of damages can I claim?

As in other personal injury cases, you may claim damages for past and future medical expenses, past and future lost wages, past and future pain and suffering (including physical impairment and loss of activities), and property damage.

In a wrongful death case, if a victim survives the crash for any period of time, their estate is entitled to some of the same damages available in personal injury cases. The estate is also allowed to claim damages for loss of companionship and services, and other damages related to the loss of a loved one to their heirs.

Who could be liable for the crash?

Determining liability in a motorcycle crash depends on the details of your case. If another driver behaved negligently and caused the crash, that driver should be held responsible. If the driver was performing job-related duties at the time of the crash, their employer might be responsible for damages as well. Motorcycle manufacturers could also be liable if defects in the motorcycle or its parts contributed to the crash. Finally government entities could be responsible, in some instances, for unsafe road conditions or inadequate signage.

How our Durham motorcycle attorneys prove negligence

Personal injury cases are based on a theory of negligence, which is the failure to use the care that a reasonable person would in a similar situation. There are four elements to proving negligence in a motorcycle crash:

1. Duty of care

This means that the other person (or entity) owed you a duty of care. People have a legal obligation to perform all their risk-creating activities as a reasonably prudent person would to reduce the risk of foreseeable harm.

2. Breach of duty

The person who owed you a duty of care has breached or violated the duty to act reasonably and prudently.

3. Causation

The person’s breach of the duty was a but-for cause of your injuries. Put another way, but for their actions, you would not have suffered an injury.

4. Damages

This element proves that you suffered a loss. You will be awarded monetary compensation as a reparation for losses or injuries suffered as a result of the incident.

We fight the insurance company to get you full compensation

The lawyers at Johnson & Groninger PLLC understand insurance companies’ tactics, who often try to minimize or deny claims, and we are ready to fight the insurance company to get you full and fair compensation.

“Dos” and “Don’ts” of dealing with insurance after a crash

Do:

• Get medical treatment and follow your doctor’s orders
• Consult with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer
• Use health insurance, if you have it, for treatment

Don’t:

• Admit fault
• Downplay your injuries
• Provide auto insurance information to medical providers (this might be different if you have a policy from a state other than North Carolina)
• Report a claim to any insurance company without first speaking with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer
• Sign a settlement offer without consulting a lawyer first

Why do I need to go to the doctor?

Following a motorcycle crash, it is important to see a doctor to evaluate and treat your injuries, no matter how minor they may seem. Documenting your medical condition after the crash will help ensure that you are appropriately compensated for your injuries. Even if you think your injuries are not serious, a medical visit can ensure any potential issues are detected and treated early and, in the absence of any findings, provide peace of mind.

Why work with Johnson & Groninger PLLC

When it comes to motorcycle crashes, expertise is crucial. Johnson & Groninger PLLC boasts an experienced team that has a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding motorcycle crash cases. We’re not just legal advocates; we’re passionate about ensuring that our clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve. With a proven track record of success, partnering with us means placing your trust in a firm that is committed to delivering results while you focus on recovery.

Our Durham motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to help

Attorneys at Johnson & Groninger are fully dedicated to helping our clients. We’re passionate about the law and are happy to educate injured people about the NC legal system and the ins and outs of their cases.

Each of our lawyers is community-minded and client-focused. Please call (252) 494-5634 to speak with a Durham personal injury attorney. We look forward to hearing from you.