AI Insights Key Takeaways
- North Carolina requires every motorcycle rider and passenger to wear a DOT-compliant (FMVSS 218) helmet — one of the strictest helmet laws in the country (N.C.G.S. § 20-140.4).
- You generally have 3 years from the crash to file a motorcycle injury lawsuit in North Carolina.
- North Carolina's pure contributory negligence rule means being found even partly at fault can bar recovery, so insurers often try to blame the rider — an attorney can push back.
- Schehr Law PLLC handles Charlotte motorcycle accident cases on contingency — no fee unless we recover for you.
General information, not legal advice. Every case is different — talk to an attorney about yours.
In a motorcycle accident, riders and passengers often sustain serious injuries. Even a crash that might cause only minor injuries between two same-sized cars is likely to lead to far more severe damage when one vehicle is a motorcycle. With such extensive injuries, only skilled legal representation will be enough to help you secure full compensation. As an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Charlotte, NC, Schehr Law PLLC is standing by to help.
With after-hours availability by phone and email, our team is here for you anytime. Contact us today to start exploring your options with a free consultation.
Motorcycle Accident Injury Claims in Charlotte, NC
Motorcycle accidents aren’t just common in North Carolina — they’re also especially dangerous compared to other types of motor vehicle accidents.
According to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, the 3,743 motorcycle accidents reported in the state in 2022 included 206 fatal accidents and 2,869 non-fatal injury crashes. Meanwhile, the state reported 243,321 total passenger car accidents, including 1,054 fatal accidents and 67,674 injury crashes.
Over 5.5% of motorcycle accidents proved fatal, compared to less than 0.5% of passenger car accidents. While more than 75% of motorcycle accidents in NC caused injuries significant enough to be reported, just 28% of passenger car accidents did.
Without the protection of an enclosed vehicle, a motorcyclist is vulnerable to the full force of impact and to injuries from falling or being thrown from the bike. In North Carolina, people injured due to someone else’s negligence have the right to seek compensation for all of their losses — including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We help injured riders seek compensation from careless drivers, negligent property owners, and the manufacturers of defective motorcycles and parts.
Who May Be Liable for a Motorcycle Accident
Claims Against Drivers
Most motorcycle accident claims are filed against the drivers of cars, trucks, buses, and other motor vehicles. Often, motorcycle crashes result from an error on the part of the other driver. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Drowsy driving
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Failure to see the motorcyclist when turning, merging, or changing lanes
Your motorcycle accident lawyer will investigate the collision and gather evidence to establish the driver’s negligence.
Claims Against Property Owners & Road-Maintenance Entities
When some condition of the road or parking lot causes a motorcycle accident, an injured victim may have a claim against the entity responsible for keeping that environment safe. Depending on the specifics, a defendant might include:
- The owner or lessee of commercial property, including parking lots or garages
- The owner or renter of private property
- A company responsible for property maintenance
- A government entity responsible for maintaining the road
Claims arising out of hazardous conditions are often complicated, and proving negligence in a premises liability case can be harder than a claim against a careless driver. You need a knowledgeable Charlotte motorcycle injury attorney like Schehr Law PLLC to investigate the accident, gather evidence, and represent you.
Product Liability Claims
If a defect in the motorcycle or any component caused your accident, you may be able to seek compensation from the company that designed, manufactured, or distributed the defective product. Schehr Law PLLC is familiar with the nuances of complex product liability claims and is prepared to hold the companies behind dangerous motorcycle parts accountable.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Charlotte
Because North Carolina follows contributory negligence, being found even partly at fault can bar your recovery, so the steps you take right after a motorcycle accident matter. Here is what our Charlotte motorcycle accident attorneys tell clients to do:
- Get to Safety & Call 911. It brings help and starts the crash report.
- Accept Medical Care. Even if adrenaline is masking the pain.
- Keep Your Gear On. Your helmet and gear are evidence; don’t discard them.
- Photograph Everything. The bike, scene, road hazards, and injuries.
- Exchange Information. With the driver and any witnesses.
- Talk to a Lawyer First. Before the insurance company talks to you.
What Not to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
These are the missteps insurers count on, and the ones that most often sink an otherwise strong claim:
- Don’t Admit Fault. Not even a reflexive “I’m sorry.”
- No Recorded Statement. Not to the at-fault driver’s insurer.
- Don’t Accept Rider Bias. Being on a bike doesn’t make it your fault.
- Don’t Take the First Offer. Or sign any release.
- Don’t Skip Treatment. Gaps let adjusters dispute your injuries.
How Schehr Law PLLC Can Help
Hiring a skilled Charlotte motorcycle injury attorney like Schehr Law PLLC can put you in a better position to win your case and secure maximum compensation. We assist injured motorcyclists by:
- Thoroughly evaluating the unique facts of your case during a free consultation
- Conducting a thorough investigation to gather evidence
- Establishing the defendant’s liability through strong, evidence-backed arguments
- Documenting all of your damages to secure maximum compensation
- Filing all claims paperwork and any legal documents involved in litigation
- Representing you in all legal proceedings and settlement negotiations
- Fighting for you in court, if necessary
- Serving as a resource for every question and obstacle that arises in the claims process
Why Choose Schehr Law PLLC
Your choice of a Charlotte motorcycle injury attorney has a direct effect on the outcome of your claim. Factors like your attorney’s experience with motorcycle cases, reputation in the Charlotte-area courts, and strategic approach all play a part in how much compensation you’re likely to recover. Here’s why injured motorcyclists throughout North Carolina turn to us:
- Experience and reputation — motorcycle claims differ from other cases in important ways. You need an attorney with a record of winning compensation for injured motorcyclists, and a strong reputation that helps your case move efficiently through negotiation or litigation.
- Individual attention — you deserve meaningful support during a difficult time, not a big firm that treats you like a case number. Our caring team is consistently here for you.
- Skilled help at no upfront cost — pursuing a claim with Schehr Law PLLC is risk-free thanks to our No Fee Guarantee. We handle personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis, so you can get help without ever worrying about paying upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for a motorcycle accident injury claim in North Carolina?
While you can pursue compensation on your own, it isn’t easy. You must go through a formal claims process with the insurer and, in many cases, commence formal litigation. Without deep legal knowledge and strong negotiation skills, you’re likely to end up with less than you deserve — especially in cases involving severe injuries, permanent disability, high medical costs, disputes over fault, multiple defendants, or claim denials.
How soon should I hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?
As early as possible. Statutes of limitations set legal deadlines for filing your claim — generally three years from the crash. Missing that window can cost you the right to recover compensation. Hiring a lawyer early also lets you focus on getting better while your attorney handles the legal process.
What should I look for when hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer?
Look for a Charlotte motorcycle injury attorney with experience successfully recovering compensation for motorcycle accidents, familiarity with Charlotte’s traffic and legal system, a focus on individualized attention and personalized claims handling, and contingency fee representation so you get help at no upfront cost.
What do I need for my free consultation with Schehr Law PLLC?
Bring a complete police report, photos of the accident scene, pictures of your injuries and damaged vehicle, medical records and bills, and paystubs or salary records showing lost wages. Even if you don’t have all of this yet, you can still benefit from speaking with us as early as possible.
Contact a Charlotte Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Motorcycle accident cases can get complicated, so the sooner you retain an attorney to begin the claims process, the better. For help from a motorcycle accident lawyer in Charlotte, NC, contact us today or call (704) 900-0336.