Charlotte Injury Lawyers Blog
Motorcycle Safety FAQ
Riding a motorcycle can be fun and exhilarating. The summer months are the most popular for motorcyclists yet riding a motorcycle can be dangerous. Motorcyclists are four times as likely to suffer serious injuries in a vehicle accident as compared with drivers of other vehicles. Safety is of utmost importance when you decide to get on a motorcycle.
Are Motorcyclists Required to Wear Helmets?
Not all states require helmets. North Carolina is one of states that requires motorcyclists to wear helmets while riding on a motorcycle or moped. Be sure to choose a helmet that complies with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. These helmets are made to specific safety standards and must have a Department of Transportation sticker on them to show compliance. Motorcyclists who wear helmets are more likely to survive a crash than those who are not wearing one.
Charlotte Personal Injury Attorney Matt Arnold answers the question: “The insurance adjuster is saying I am partially negligent what does that mean?”
Do Motorcycle Riders Need a Special License?
Motorcycle riders in North Carolina must have a motorcycle endorsement on their regular driver’s license. The endorsement allows you to operate a motorcycle in North Carolina. In order to obtain an endorsement, you must pass both a written exam and road skills test. Learner’s permits are available for those who are learning skills. It is important to understand the rules of the road that apply specifically to motorcycle riders. Obtain a copy of the motorcyclist’s handbook provided by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles to prepare for the test.
Do I Need to Complete a Motorcycle Safety Course?
Motorcyclists who are ages 16 through 18 must complete a motorcycle safety course. Also, riders under age 18 must have written permission from their parents. Riders aged 18 and older are encouraged to take a motorcycle safety class. Motorcycle safety courses are offered through the North Carolina Motorcycle Safety Education Program (NCMSEP) and Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Courses include a combination of written and road skills practice to prepare them with experience handling real-life road situations.
What Causes Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents occur for many different reasons. Unfortunately, many crashes happen because drivers of other vehicles fail to see or yield to motorcycles on the roads. Large SUVs or trucks may have blind spots that could make seeing motorcycles more difficult. Drivers may be distracted by using a cell phone or for some other reason. A driver might not always notice a motorcycle. Motorcyclists need to drive at a safe speed, drive defensively, and obey traffic laws.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accidents can happen quickly and can cause devastating injuries. The negligent driver is responsible for the damages they caused. Call the police and seek medical attention immediately. This is important even if you do not feel pain at the time of the incident. The most serious injuries are those to the head, neck, and spine, which can worsen over time. Obtain a copy of the police report and contact the insurance company. Remember, you do not need to agree to a fast payment, which may not always be enough to compensate you for serious injuries. Call an attorney to represent you in the matter to help you get the money you deserve.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, we can help you get compensation for your injuries. Call us today at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 to request a free initial consultation.
The skilled personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to maximizing the financial recovery and obtaining justice for every personal injury client injured by another party’s negligence. The issues our personal injury clients may be facing include, but are not limited to, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death, product liability, catastrophic injuries, dog bite claims, car and truck accident injuries, motorcycle injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), nursing home negligence, spinal cord injury, boating accidents, and defective medical device injury. Our personal injury attorneys understand the devastating impact such an injury can have on a person’s life, and that the effects so often go beyond physical pain and suffering. The personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to helping clients determine the strength of their claims, and to aggressively pursuing the means necessary to achieve the best possible end result for each client’s particular situation.
Source:
https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/driver-licenses/motorcycle/Pages/default.aspx
Image Credit:
https://www.freeimages.com/photo/moto-dog-2-1396682
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