Passenger hurt in a motorcycle accident? Know your rights.
You may be facing serious injuries and mounting medical bills. Even if the at-fault driver is your friend, you may be able to get full compensation for your damages without raising their rates any further. Get answers to your questions and recommendations on your next steps from our experienced attorneys.
This page refers to Motorcycle Passengers in North Carolina.
Since laws differ between states, if you are located in South Carolina, please click here.
North Carolina Motorcycle Passenger Injury Lawyer: What You Need to Know
Being a passenger in a motorcycle accident can be a traumatic experience. You may be facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about whether you should seek compensation from the at-fault driver – especially if the driver is your friend or family member.
We understand the unique challenges that motorcycle passengers face after an accident. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process, answer your questions, and help you determine the best course of action for you.
Contact us online or call 1-866-900-7078 to speak to a knowledgeable member of our team right now. There’s no cost or obligation.
Who Is Responsible for Passenger Injuries in a Motorcycle Crash?
If you are a passenger injured in a motorcycle accident, the responsible party is typically either:
- The driver of the vehicle involved in the crash
- The operator of the motorcycle you were riding on
It’s important to understand that in most cases, it’s the responsible insurance company that pays for your injuries, not the individual. This means you shouldn’t hesitate to file a claim, even if the motorcycle operator was a friend or family member. Their insurance exists precisely for situations like these. And there may be no need to worry that you’re raising their insurance rates. The accident alone will likely result in a rate increase whether you claim or not.
Filing a Motorcycle Accident Case as a Passenger: Where to Start
The process of filing a motorcycle accident injury claim involves filing your claim with the at-fault insurance company and negotiating for a fair settlement. Unfortunately, the insurance company, whether it’s the motorcycle operator’s or the other driver’s, is protecting their own interests, not yours.
Some insurance companies may try to blame you and deny you compensation completely. But an experienced attorney can significantly increase your odds of receiving maximum compensation.
Understanding Passenger Rights in Motorcycle Accidents: Don’t Fall for These Traps
There are several misconceptions about the rights of motorcycle passengers that often prevent injured motorcycle passengers from pursuing the compensation they need.
- Misconception #1: Helmet Use – Even if you weren’t wearing a helmet, you may still have a right to compensation. If you’re seeking compensation for a broken leg, for example, the fact you weren’t wearing a helmet may be completely irrelevant.
- Misconception #2: Good Passengers Don’t Sue Their Drivers – It’s a claim, not a lawsuit, and it’s filed against the at-fault insurance company, not a particular individual.
- Misconception #3: The At-Fault Insurance Company Is on Your Side – Be cautious of quick settlement offers. The driver’s insurance adjuster may be friendly, but quick offers are often lowball offers that do not cover all potential current and future medical expenses.
As a Passenger, Whose Insurance Will Cover Your Motorcycle Accident Injuries?
The insurance company for the at-fault driver should compensate you for any losses you may have suffered, including:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- And more
However, the insurance company may try to use North Carolina’s contributory negligence doctrine against you. If they can show that you were even 1% at fault for the accident, they may deny you compensation completely.
But you don’t have to take them on alone. We can level the playing field for you…
Our Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Are Ready to Help You
We work tirelessly to try to ensure all your damages are accounted for and fight for the maximum compensation possible. If the insurance company is trying to take advantage of you, tell them you mean business.
Our motorcycle accident attorney team can help you by:
- Completing complicated paperwork for you accurately and on time
- Gathering evidence, such as accident reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Answering your questions and guiding you through the legal process
- Identifying all potentially liable parties and all sources of possible compensation
- Calculating the full extent of your potential damages and fighting for every penny you may be owed
Why Choose the James Scott Farrin Advantage
Helping injured people, like motorcycle passengers, take on powerful opponents like insurance companies is who we are as a firm.
Since 1997, we’ve recovered over $1.8 billion total for more than 65,000 people.1 And we can help you, too.
At James Scott Farrin, your needs come first. Always. We have an official You-First Policy that we’re proud to follow. But don’t take our word for it:
And there’s no need to worry about the cost of a high-quality attorney. At our firm, you pay nothing upfront, no retainer fees, and no hourly fees. We advance all costs to build your case because we will only take your case if we think we can get you a great result. And if we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us no attorney’s fee whatsoever. Guaranteed.2
To get a free professional opinion on your case and recommendations on what to do next, contact us online or call us at 1-866-900-7078. A real person is ready to help you right now.
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