At Panchenko Law Firm, we focus on personal injury law, serving clients in Charlotte and the surrounding areas. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized attention and strategic representation to help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, motorcycle crash, or other personal injury, we’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process.
Motorcycle accidents in Matthews, NC, often result in serious injuries or fatalities, especially when caused by careless or inattentive drivers. Unlike other vehicles, motorcycles offer less protection, making riders more vulnerable in a crash. Understanding the leading causes of motorcycle collisions can help both motorcyclists and other road users prevent future accidents.
In this blog, we cover the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Matthews and explain why working with an experienced Matthews motorcycle accident lawyer is important if you’ve been injured in a crash.
Distracted Driving: A Leading Cause of Motorcycle Collisions
Distracted driving is one of the most frequent causes of motorcycle accidents in Matthews, NC. When other drivers lose focus, motorcyclists are often the first to suffer.
Visual, Manual, and Cognitive Distractions
Distractions come in three main forms. Visual distractions pull a driver’s eyes off the road. Manual distractions take their hands off the wheel. Cognitive distractions take their attention away from driving. Each of these can lead to serious motorcycle collisions. Drivers may be looking at their phones, adjusting the radio, eating, or talking to passengers while riding near motorcycles.
Why Motorcyclists Are at Greater Risk
Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles. When a driver is not fully focused, they are more likely to overlook a biker in the next lane or approaching an intersection. These blind spots become deadly when other motorists drift between lanes or fail to yield. Many drivers simply do not check for motorcycle riders before making a move.
North Carolina Law on Distracted Driving
In North Carolina, it is illegal to text while driving under G.S. § 20-137.4A. This law applies to all drivers, including those operating trucks, cars, and other vehicles. Violating this law increases the chance of a crash and may result in liability if someone is injured. A motorcycle accident lawyer can use evidence of phone use or distraction to prove fault in a personal injury claim.
Crashes Caused by Distracted Driving
Motorcycle crashes caused by distracted drivers often happen at intersections or in heavy traffic. Sudden stops, failure to notice a turn signal, or delayed reaction time can cause a serious collision. Many riders involved in these crashes suffer injuries to the head, spine, or limbs. Helmets help protect motorcyclists, but they cannot prevent all injuries in a crash.
Holding Drivers Accountable
If you were injured by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation. A motorcycle accident attorney can gather phone records, traffic camera footage, and witness statements to build your case. Holding other drivers accountable helps protect all road users, including motorcycle operators and passengers.
Left Turn Accidents: When Other Drivers Don’t See You
Left turn accidents are one of the leading causes of motorcycle crashes in North Carolina. These collisions often happen when drivers fail to notice a motorcycle or misjudge its speed.
How Left Turn Crashes Happen
Most left turn crashes occur at intersections or while a vehicle turns across oncoming traffic. A car or truck may turn left in front of a motorcycle that is going straight. The driver may not see the motorcycle at all or may think there is enough time to turn. These errors create sudden and dangerous situations for motorcyclists.
Why Motorcycles Are Often Overlooked
Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and easier to miss. Drivers often fail to check for motorcycles before turning. Many assume they are farther away or moving slower than they are. In reality, motorcycles can close distance quickly, leaving riders with little time to avoid a crash.
Common Injuries from Left Turn Collisions
When a left turn crash happens, the motorcycle usually hits the side of the turning vehicle. These collisions can throw riders from their bikes or pin them under other cars. Common injuries include broken bones, brain injuries, spinal damage, and severe road rash. Even with a helmet, the risk of serious injury is high.
Determining Fault in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the driver making a left turn is usually at fault if they turn into the path of another vehicle. The law requires left-turning drivers to yield to oncoming traffic. If a driver fails to yield and causes a motorcycle accident, they may be held liable for the damages. A motorcycle accident attorney can help gather traffic camera footage, witness statements, and crash reports to prove fault.
Legal Support After a Left Turn Crash
If you are a rider who was injured in a left turn collision, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer. Panchenko Law Firm helps injured motorcyclists in Matthews, NC hold other drivers responsible. We work to recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost income. Contact us to discuss your case and protect your legal rights.
Lane Splitting and Unsafe Lane Changes
Motorcycle riders face serious risks when other vehicles make sudden or careless moves between lanes. Unsafe lane changes and attempts at lane splitting often lead to motorcycle crashes.
Lane Splitting Is Illegal in North Carolina
Lane splitting happens when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. This practice is illegal in North Carolina. While it may save time, it increases the chance of a collision. Other motorists do not expect a bike to pass between lanes and may drift without warning.
Unsafe Lane Changes by Other Drivers
Drivers often fail to check blind spots before switching lanes. Cars and trucks may move suddenly, cutting off a motorcyclist. These crashes are common in heavy traffic or on highways. Many drivers simply do not see motorcycles, or they misjudge how fast the rider is going. A single careless move can knock a biker off their motorcycle or force them into another vehicle.
Legal Responsibility in a Lane Change Crash
North Carolina traffic laws require all drivers to use turn signals and make sure a lane is clear before moving into it. If a driver fails to signal or changes lanes without checking, they may be found at fault for the crash. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help prove that the driver’s actions caused the collision.
Protecting Yourself on the Road
Motorcyclists should stay visible, avoid riding in blind spots, and watch for turn signals or sudden moves from other cars. Defensive riding helps reduce the risk but does not prevent all crashes. When other drivers act without caution, they put riders in danger.
Legal Help After a Lane Change Crash
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident caused by an unsafe lane change, contact Panchenko Law Firm. Our attorneys help injured riders in Matthews, NC recover compensation for medical costs, property damage, and lost income. Speak with a motorcycle accident attorney today to learn how we can support your claim.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Matthews, NC
The steps you take after a motorcycle accident can affect your safety, health, and legal options. It is important to stay calm, act quickly, and protect your rights.
Call 911 and Report the Crash
If you are involved in a motorcycle crash, call 911 immediately. Request police and medical assistance. Tell the dispatcher your location and whether there are injuries. When police arrive, give a clear and accurate account of what happened. Ask for the officer’s name and the accident report number. This report will be important for your motorcycle accident lawyer.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Head injuries, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage can worsen without treatment. Medical records will also support your injury claim. Keep all documents related to your visit, including diagnoses and prescriptions.
Document the Scene
If you are able, take photos of the crash scene. Capture all vehicles involved, road conditions, skid marks, damage to your bike, and any visible injuries. Get names and contact information from witnesses. Exchange insurance and driver’s license details with the other driver, but avoid making statements about fault.
Do Not Talk to Insurance Companies Alone
Insurance adjusters may contact you soon after the accident. Their goal is to reduce payouts. Do not give a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement before speaking with a personal injury attorney. Anything you say can be used to limit or deny your compensation.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Call Panchenko Law Firm as soon as possible. Our legal team focuses on motorcycle accident cases in Matthews, NC. We understand how motorcycle riders are often blamed unfairly and work to hold other motorists accountable. We will investigate the crash, gather evidence, and fight for full compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and property damage.
Know the Legal Deadline
Under G.S. § 1-52, North Carolina gives you three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover damages. A motorcycle accident attorney at Panchenko Law Firm can help you meet all deadlines and build a strong case from the start.
Protect Your Rights
After a motorcycle accident, your focus should be on recovery. Let a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer handle the legal process. At Panchenko Law Firm, we are committed to protecting the rights of injured motorcyclists and holding careless drivers accountable.
Contact an Experienced Matthews Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today!
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. The steps you take now can make a difference in your recovery and your ability to receive fair compensation. Our team at Panchenko Law Firm is here to help. We understand the unique challenges motorcyclists face on the road and after a crash.
Contact us at (704) 900-7675 for a free claim review today!
