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Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? We’re Here to Help.
When a motorcycle crash leaves you hurt or shaken, the last thing you should worry about is battling insurance companies.
At Kellum Law Firm, our motorcycle accident lawyers have spent decades helping motorcyclists across North Carolina get the compensation they deserve following an accident.
You can call us anytime on our toll-free number, or scroll down and use the form on this page to request a free case review. There’s no cost, no obligation, and we’ll take the time to listen to your story and explain your options clearly.
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If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, our experienced legal team is here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. From minor injuries to life-changing trauma, we’ll work to ensure your settlement reflects the full extent of your losses.
At Kellum Law Firm, we bring decades of experience in motorcycle accident and personal injury claims across North Carolina. Our motorcycle accident attorneys negotiate directly with insurance companies to protect your rights and maximize your recovery—and if fair compensation isn’t offered, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial.
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If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in North Carolina, read this:
We have several motorcycle riders on our team of lawyers here at Kellum Law Firm, so we understand that there’s nothing more exciting and liberating than being on two wheels on the open road.
Distracted Car Drivers Are A Menace To Motorcyclists
While considerable advancements have been made in the realm of automobile safety – seatbelts, airbags etc, clearly this has no benefit whatsoever to a motorcyclist. In fact in many ways the enhanced features of automobiles has made it even less safe on the road for motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians; as many car drivers are often distracted by the plethora of technology inside their vehicles – not to mention cellphones.
Serious accidents often occur to motorcyclists when car drivers become distracted, and in such a situation there’s clearly a case for negligence. “The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines distracted driving as any non-driving activity a person engages in while operating a motor vehicle. Such activities have the potential to distract the person from the primary task of driving and increase the risk of crashing (http://www.distraction.gov/)”
Even when a car driver has both hands on the wheel, you’re still vulnerable on the open road. Other common causes of crashes involving a motorcycle is passing a vehicle in the drivers’ blind spot, being struck by a vehicle turning in front of a motorcycle (simply because the car driver doesn’t see you) and a broad range of different accident types involving road markings – such as failing to yield or failing to stop at a stop sign.
Pothole Crashes
Another common cause of accidents on two wheels involves poorly maintained road surfaces – the State of NC or local government is responsible for maintaining roads in good condition, and if it can be shown that this obligation has not been met you may have a case for a compensation claim against the party responsible for the highways. But quite often it’s difficult to know exactly who that is.
In North Carolina, many of the side-streets and roads inside city or town limits are actually the state’s responsibility to maintain, so it can be a difficult task determining just who is liable.
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation in 2016, motorcyclist deaths decreased by 7.4 percent over the previous year, falling to 163 from 151 (pedal- cyclist deaths also decreased, down 16.7 percent from 2015).
If you add up motorcycle, moped and scooter crashes in 2016 the total is just a hair under 4000.
Wear Your Safety Helmet
In NC, all motorcycle riders and their passengers must wear helmets with chin straps secured. The helmet must be of a design approved by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT). If you’re involved in an accident and you haven’t worn an approved helmet it may affect your ability to claim compensation. This will be one of the things insurance companies take into consideration before agreeing on any settlement.
Work With An Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Of course, insurance companies are in no hurry to settle a claim and will often go to great lengths to avoid making a payout even when the issue of liability is clearly in your favor. So if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, having an experienced lawyer on your side can affect the outcome of your claim.
Content Reviewed By: John T Briggs
Owner and Managing Attorney - Kellum Law Firm
Why Work With Kellum Law Firm?
- 50+ years representing North Carolina residents.
- Seasoned trial lawyers with years of experience inside North Carolina courtrooms.
- Lawyers with extensive experience handling Personal Injury claims.
- Your Local Law Firm with office locations including Wilmington, Jacksonville, New Bern, Greenville, Raleigh, Fayetteville and more.
- Free No Obligation Lawyer Consultation to review your case.
- FREE PROPERTY DAMAGE assistance when we handle your injury claim.
- Stellar reputation with A+ BBB Rating.
- Committed to getting you the best results!
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Accidents
What should I do immediately after a motorcycle accident?
After a motorcycle accident, your top priority should be safety and getting medical attention. Even if injuries aren’t obvious, it’s crucial to seek evaluation. Call 911, file a police report, take photographs of the scene, and gather witness information. Avoid admitting fault at the scene and contact a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible.
Who is liable in a motorcycle accident in North Carolina?
North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence rule. That means if you’re even 1% at fault, you may not recover damages. Liability often depends on accident details, so having a lawyer to investigate and gather evidence is essential to protecting your claim.
What compensation can I receive for a motorcycle accident?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, future treatment, pain and suffering, and property damage. In severe cases, you might also claim long-term disability and future income loss. A legal consultation can help estimate the value of your specific case.
Do I need a lawyer after a motorcycle accident?
Yes, in most instances a good motorcycle accident lawyer will prove invaluable. A lawyer experienced in motorcycle accident claims can help you navigate the legal system and fight insurance company tactics. They’ll work to prove liability, assess damages, and negotiate a fair settlement. At Kellum Law Firm, we work on a contingency basis—you don’t pay unless we win.
How long do I have to file a claim after a motorcycle accident in NC?
You generally have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim in North Carolina. For wrongful death claims, the limit is two years from the date of death. It’s critical to act quickly to preserve your legal rights.
North Carolina Representation for Motorcycle Accident Victims
Our attorneys understand the unique challenges faced by motorcycle riders after an accident. We serve clients from every corner of the state:
- Handling serious motorcycle crash claims throughout Wake County – Raleigh
- Protecting riders’ rights across Craven County and surrounding regions – New Bern
- Offering legal support for motorcycle injury victims on the coast – Wilmington
- Offering trusted legal support for injury victims in Wayne County – Goldsboro
- Helping motorcyclists in Onslow County recover from devastating accidents – Jacksonville
- Standing up for riders across Pitt County – Greenville
- Fighting for motorcycle accident victims in Halifax County – Roanoke Rapids
- Representing injured bikers across Durham County and the Triangle – Durham
- Helping local riders seek justice in Cumberland County – Fayetteville
- Providing aggressive advocacy for riders in Mecklenburg County – Charlotte
- Representing clients across Nash and Edgecombe Counties – Rocky Mount
- Assisting motorcycle accident victims along the Crystal Coast – Morehead City
- Offering rural riders trusted legal guidance in Martin County – Williamston
Injured in a motorcycle accident? Our legal team is here to help — with local offices across North Carolina and decades of experience fighting for riders. Schedule your free consultation today.
Case Result: $800,000 Motorcycle Accident Recovery
Our client was seriously injured when an 18-wheeler pulled into his lane without warning, cutting off his motorcycle and causing a violent collision. The truck driver’s failure to yield left the rider with multiple fractures, months of rehabilitation, and long-term pain that affected his ability to work and enjoy daily life.
The trucking company’s insurer initially denied responsibility, suggesting the motorcyclist had been speeding. John T. Briggs and our litigation team immediately launched a detailed investigation—interviewing witnesses, analyzing dash-cam and ECM data, and working with accident-reconstruction experts to prove what really happened. Through careful documentation and negotiation, we demonstrated that the truck driver’s inattention and unsafe maneuver caused the crash and our client’s injuries.
After months of strategic advocacy and preparation for trial, the case was resolved through a settlement of $800,000, allowing our client to pay medical expenses, replace lost income, and regain financial stability. This recovery reflects the experience, persistence, and teamwork our attorneys bring to every serious motorcycle accident claim.
To learn more about other significant results our firm has achieved for injury victims across North Carolina, visit our Notable Cases page.
Disclaimer: Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Prior outcomes do not guarantee a similar result. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
Understanding the Severity of Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents often result in far more serious injuries than traditional car accidents, even at lower speeds. Without the protection of an enclosed vehicle, airbags, or seatbelts, motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable on the road — and the consequences of a crash can be devastating. At Kellum Law Firm, we’ve represented riders across North Carolina who were injured in preventable collisions caused by negligent drivers, unsafe road conditions, and vehicle defects.
Why Motorcycle Injuries Are Often More Severe
In a typical passenger vehicle crash, the car’s frame, safety restraints, and crumple zones help absorb much of the impact. Motorcyclists, on the other hand, are exposed. Even with protective gear, riders face direct impact with the road, other vehicles, or stationary objects. The result is often a higher likelihood of serious injury, longer recovery times, and greater financial hardship.
According to national data, motorcyclists are nearly 28 times more likely than car occupants to die in a crash per mile traveled, and many more suffer life-altering injuries each year.
Common Types of Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Some of the most frequent — and serious — injuries we see in motorcycle crash cases include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with a helmet, motorcyclists can suffer concussions or severe brain trauma. TBIs may lead to memory loss, cognitive impairment, or permanent disability.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord may cause paralysis, loss of motor function, or chronic pain. These injuries often require extensive rehabilitation and long-term care.
- Fractures and Crushed Limbs: Arms, legs, and ribs are commonly broken in high-impact crashes. In some cases, surgical reconstruction or even amputation may be required.
- Road Rash: When skin scrapes against asphalt during a slide, riders can experience painful abrasions, infections, and permanent scarring — sometimes requiring skin grafts.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt-force trauma to the abdomen or chest can result in organ damage or internal bleeding, often with delayed symptoms.
- Facial and Dental Injuries: Riders thrown from their bikes may strike the pavement face-first, causing broken jaws, lost teeth, and orbital fractures.
Motorcycle Injuries vs. Auto Accident Injuries
While car accidents can certainly lead to severe injuries, motorcyclists are at a disproportionate risk of catastrophic harm. The same collision that leaves a car occupant with a bruised rib might result in a broken pelvis or spinal injury for a motorcyclist. Even low-speed crashes at intersections — such as left-turn collisions — can leave a rider with permanent injuries or loss of mobility.
For this reason, it’s crucial that injury claims involving motorcycles are handled with an understanding of the greater medical complexity and long-term costs that may be involved. At Kellum Law Firm, we take those factors into account when calculating damages and preparing cases for trial or settlement.
We’re Here to Help Injured Riders
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, you don’t have to handle it alone. Our legal team has years of experience fighting for riders’ rights and recovering fair compensation for injuries, lost wages, property damage, and long-term care needs.
Contact Kellum Law Firm today for a free case evaluation and learn how we can help you get the support and compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, the steps you take can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Your first priority should always be your safety and health. If you’re able, move to a safe location and call 911 to report the accident. Make sure to get medical attention — even if you feel fine. Many serious injuries, such as internal trauma or brain injuries, may not show symptoms immediately.
Once you’re safe and medical help is on the way, try to gather evidence at the scene. This includes taking photos of your motorcycle, the vehicles involved, any skid marks or road hazards, and the overall accident area. Exchange information with the other driver, but avoid discussing fault or making any statements to insurance companies without legal advice. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information — their testimony could prove vital later on.
As soon as possible, notify your insurance company of the accident, but be cautious about giving recorded statements or accepting early settlement offers. At this stage, it’s in your best interest to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can protect your rights and help you navigate the claims process.
At Kellum Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with medical bills, insurance adjusters, and the loss of your motorcycle all at once. That’s why when we represent you in a personal injury claim, we handle your property damage claim at no additional cost. Our team works to recover compensation for both your injuries and the damage to your motorcycle — so you can focus on healing while we manage the paperwork and negotiations.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in North Carolina, don’t wait to get legal help. Contact our team for a free consultation. There’s no obligation, and no fee unless we recover compensation for you.
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Kellum Law Firm's corporate headquarters is located in New Bern, NC and has offices around North Carolina, including Raleigh, Greenville, Jacksonville, Wilmington, and more. We provide local residents with legal services focusing on personal injury law including automobile accidents, social security disability, workers' compensation, elder abuse, and more.