Roane Law has represented injured people across North Carolina for years, including riders and professional drivers. If you need focused help after a crash, our team is ready to evaluate your situation and protect your rights. You can learn more about our approach and results throughout this page and the related resources linked below.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Every crash is different, but certain injuries show up again and again in motorcycle claims. The list below is not exhaustive, however it covers the conditions our clients most frequently face.
- Road rash and soft tissue trauma. Sliding on pavement can remove layers of skin and damage nerves. Without quick treatment, infection and significant scarring can occur, sometimes requiring skin grafts.
- Fractures and orthopedic injuries. Wrists, forearms, collarbones, ribs, hips, and legs are vulnerable during ejections or side impacts. Complex fractures may need surgical fixation and months of rehab.
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Helmets reduce risk, but concussions and TBIs still happen. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and sensitivity to light or noise. Recovery may require cognitive therapy.
- Spinal cord and spine injuries. Herniated discs, vertebral fractures, and spinal cord damage can lead to chronic pain, weakness, or paralysis, which can change daily life and future employment.
- Neck and back injuries. Whiplash type injuries and cervical disc herniations are common even in lower speed collisions. They can limit range of motion and make routine tasks difficult.
- Internal injuries and bleeding. Blunt force trauma can harm organs such as the spleen or liver. These conditions are medical emergencies that require rapid diagnosis and surgical care.
- Psychological injuries. Anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress can follow a violent crash. These are real injuries that deserve treatment and compensation when supported by the evidence.
If you want a quick overview of safety measures that reduce injury risk, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides helpful rider resources and statistics. See the NHTSA motorcycle safety page here.
Why Motorcycle Injuries Are Often Severe
Passenger vehicles have seat belts, airbags, and crumple zones, while motorcycles do not. Riders are also less visible, especially at intersections and when other drivers change lanes without checking blind spots. These factors increase the chance of ejection, direct impact with the ground, and secondary collisions with traffic or fixed objects.
To understand the behaviors that often lead to collisions, read our companion resource on causes of crashes in our area: common causes of motorcycle accidents in Greensboro.
What Compensation Can I Seek After a Motorcycle Accident?
North Carolina law allows injured riders to seek compensation for economic and non economic losses when someone else is legally responsible for the crash. The categories below are typical in motorcycle cases.
Medical expenses
Payment for emergency care, hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, medical devices, and follow up appointments. Serious injuries often require future treatment, which should be documented and included in the claim.
Rehabilitation and therapy
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic care, and cognitive rehabilitation for TBI. Consistent attendance and progress notes can support the value of this portion of the claim.
Lost income
Wage loss for time missed from work, plus loss of future earning capacity when injuries limit the ability to return to the same job or work the same hours.
Pain and suffering
Compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and limitations on daily activities. The impact on sleep, hobbies, and family life can be important evidence.
Permanent impairment
When an injury leaves a lasting loss of function, an impairment rating from a qualified medical provider can help quantify the long term effect.
Property damage
Repair or replacement of the motorcycle, helmet, protective gear, and accessories damaged in the crash.
For a broader statistical context on motorcycle injuries and outcomes, see the National Safety Council overview on motorcyclists, which summarizes national trend data in clear charts and tables.
Real Case Result
Results matter, and preparation makes a difference. In a contested case handled by our firm, a truck driver was injured in a collision with a motorcycle. The truck passed over the motorcycle at roughly 40 miles per hour, then the rear of the truck bounced down the roadway. The driver suffered a significant neck injury that required fusion surgery and generated medical bills exceeding one hundred thousand dollars. The at fault driver’s insurer initially offered fifteen hundred dollars and refused to negotiate. The driver’s own underinsured motorist carrier declined to pay. Our team presented testimony from three physicians by video deposition and prepared the case for trial. The jury returned a verdict of three hundred thousand dollars. You can review additional outcomes on our verdicts and results page.
How Fault and Insurance Affect Your Recovery
Liability and insurance coverage determine where compensation ultimately comes from. Evidence such as crash reports, scene photographs, electronic data from vehicles, and medical records can be decisive. Quick action helps preserve this material and reduces disputes about causation and damages.
- At fault driver’s liability coverage. This is the first source of recovery. Policy limits vary, so documentation of damages is essential.
- Underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage. Your own policy may provide additional protection when the at fault driver has too little insurance or none at all.
- Medical payments coverage. Some policies include limited funds to pay medical bills regardless of fault, which can ease the early burden of treatment costs.
Steps To Take After a Motorcycle Crash
These actions can improve medical outcomes and strengthen your claim.
- Call 911, accept transport if recommended, and follow your doctor’s instructions. Some injuries develop over days, so keep follow up appointments.
- Photograph the scene, vehicles, your visible injuries, clothing, and gear. Save damaged equipment.
- Collect names and contact information for witnesses. Ask for the crash report number.
- Do not provide a recorded statement to any insurer before speaking with counsel. Keep your social media private and avoid posting about the crash.
- Consult a lawyer who routinely handles motorcycle and serious injury claims.
Why Choose Roane Law
Insurance companies move quickly, and their goal is to pay as little as possible. Our role is to level the field. We investigate, gather and preserve evidence, consult with medical experts, and present your losses clearly. We also take on the phone calls and paperwork so you can focus on treatment and family.
For local riders, we maintain resources that explain both safety and legal issues in plain language. Start with our page on working with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Greensboro, then review causes of crashes at this guide. If you prefer to talk through the details, our team is ready to listen and advise.
Contact Roane Law for a free consultation
No pressure, just answers to your questions and a clear plan for next steps.