North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Blog

The number of motorcycle rider fatalities in the state of North Carolina may have dropped from about 170 in 2010 to roughly 140 in 2011, but safe driving advocates are still worried of an increase with the coming season.

As we head into the Month of May, the risks for motorcycle accidents in Asheville and elsewhere are expected to skyrocket. Every year, the month of May records some of the most motorcycle accidents, more than any other month out of the year. That's why safe driving advocates use the month of May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. It's a month-long campaign that is used to raise awareness about our two-wheeled friends on our roadways and to ask motorists to be more cautious when traveling near bikers. To help to spread this message, the North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program and the Marine Corps recently joined their efforts together to spread a little education.

"We want to invest all the time, effort and resources we can to promote safety," said Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Gorry, Marine Corps Installations East.

Our Asheville motorcycle accident lawyers understand that motorcyclists face some of the most severe risks for injury and death in the event of a collision. In an accident, motorcyclists are injured or killed 80 percent of the time while occupants of passenger vehicles are only injured or killed about 20 percent of the time. Motorcyclists are provided with virtually no protection in comparison to the protection provided to the occupants of passenger vehicles. That's why we are asking drivers to be cautious when traveling near these vulnerable motorists. With safe and alert driving habits, we can all do our part to make our roadways a little bit safer for everyone.

Through the efforts of the North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program and the Marine Corps, a motorcycling event was held at Bogue Field in Carteret County. The event included an obstacle course to test bikers' skills. There was also a motorcycle rodeo. It was focused on helping motorcyclists to better protect themselves on our roadways.

This motorcycle safety event has been taking place every year since 2009 and is held each year to correspond with Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

The two organizations joined together after the state of North Carolina saw a steep increase in the number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities back in 2008, many of them were seen in eastern part of the state.

Gorry says that since the launch of the partnership, the number of motorcycle accidents has decreased by nearly 50 percent.

Motorcyclists account for less than 5 percent of the registered vehicles in the state, but they account for nearly 15 percent of all of the motor vehicle-related fatalities. Education and awareness is the most beneficial way to help to reduce these numbers.

Continue reading "Motorcycle Accidents in Asheville and Elsewhere Draws Attention of Statewide Organizations" »

It's never a bad time to brush up on your driving skills. Lucky for you, there's a new way for you to do just that. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles just recently started passing out brand new editions of the North Carolina Driver's Handbook. In the new booklet, motorists can get up-to-date information regarding the changes to road laws by the North Carolina General Assembly. To make it even better, the new handbook has been reformatted to its previous digest size. It has 88 pages of laws, rules, signals, signs and safe driving tips to help prevent car accidents in North Carolina.

Can you stand it!

These new handbooks are available at driver's license offices throughout the state. Residents applying for a first-time driver's license will be issued these booklets in their driver education course. Right now, the English version is available online. A Spanish translation will be available soon online as well.

Our Asheville car accident attorneys know we see about 215,000 traffic accidents and 1,500 traffic-related fatalities on our roadways every year. By frequently reviewing road law changes and brushing up on your driving skills, we can all do our part to help to reduce the risks of car accidents throughout the state.

Remember that when you're given a driver's license, you must be ready to accept responsibility of your life and the lives of other motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, etc. on our roadways

The handbook itself is nothing new. It has been published by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles for decades now. There are different chapters to focus on the different types of driver's licenses, basic driving skills, rules of the road, passenger safety, traffic signals, traffic signs as well as information regarding tickets, license suspensions and revocations.

There were about 600,000 copies of this new handbook printed for drivers in North Carolina. Each copy was printed for less than 23 cents apiece.

Important Sections in the New Handbook:

-Limited Learner Permits

-Provisional Licenses

-Motorcycle and Bus Endorsements

-Renewal and Duplicate License Information

-Schedule of Fees

-Alcohol and the Law

-Driver License Points

-Driver License Restoration

-Driver Safety

-Protecting Yourself and Your Passengers

-Safe Driving Around Farm Equipment

-Basic Driving Skills and Rules

-Signals, Signs and Pavement Markings

-Sharing the Road

-Traffic Officers

-Transportation Alternatives

-Trucks and Other Vehicles

-Recreational Vehicles and Trailers

-How the DMV Serves You

Drivers are urged to take a peek at this new manual. You may think you know everything about driving, but the truth of the matter is that laws, regulations, road designs and traffic patterns are always changing. It's important to stay on top of these changes to help ensure that you're safe and that you're helping to keep other travelers safe on our roadways during every car ride.

And, who knows, you just might learn something.

Continue reading "New Handbooks to Help Fight Car Accidents in North Carolina" »

Back in August, a drunk driving car accident in Chesnee on Highway 221 took the life of an innocent, 51-year-old man. The drunk driver charged with the crime, a 22-year-old from Forest City, was recently sentenced to 15 years behind bars. According to News Channel 7, the man admitted to striking the man while he was under the influence of both drugs and alcohol. The guilty driver was charged with driving under the influence resulting in death. He is now required to serve at least 12 years of that sentence before he is eligible for release.

The August accident happened as the victim was riding a motorcycle along Highway 221 with his turn signal activated. He was getting ready to turn into a parking lot. When he went to make the turn, the intoxicated driver rammed his pickup truck into the back of the motorcycle. The accident caused the motorcycle to get jammed into the bumper and the grill of the pickup. It was pushed for about 300 feet. The motorcyclist died at the scene of the accident.

Our South Carolina drunk driving car accident lawyers understand that the driver involved in the accident admitted to officers that he had taken a couple of shots of vodka, along with a couple of beers and had smoked some marijuana before the accident happened. He said he took the drugs at a party he attended earlier in the night. The young driver's blood test revealed a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.05.

"Mr. Robinson's irresponsible actions involve huge consequences," said Solicitor Barry Barnette.

This was not the intoxicated driver's first drug conviction either. Officials say he has a previous criminal record.

Meanwhile, the motorcyclist's autopsy returned no evidence of alcohol or drugs in his system at the time of the accident.

In 2008, there were nearly 400 fatal car accidents in South Carolina involving a driver who was legally drunk, with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08. In these accidents, 405 people were killed. The statistics don't end there. During the same year, there were another 60 people killed in traffic accidents involving a driver who was legally under the limit, but still under the influence of alcohol, meaning they had a BAC of 0.01 to 0.07.

Those who drink and drive in South Carolina are likely to really drink! Nearly 75 percent of the fatal drunk driving accidents that occurred in 2009 happened with a driver who had a BAC of .15 or higher. A majority of drunk drivers who were involved in fatal accidents during this year were in fact repeat offenders.

Motorists and other travelers are urged to be cautious while traveling along our roadways. Drunk driver take the lives of thousands of innocent people every year. Remain aware and cautious while traveling our roadways to help to reduce your risks of a fatal run in with one of these irresponsible drivers.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Killed by Drunk Driver in Chesnee -- Driver Sentenced to 15 Years" »

Recent preliminary data released by the Governors Highway Safety Association indicates that motorcyclists fatalities were down nationwide for the first nine months of 2010.

Winston-Salem injury lawyers find this news somewhat shocking considering the number of motorcyclists sharing roadways with motorists and the growing popularity of 2-wheeled vehicles now that gas prices have skyrocketed.

Two recent motorcycle accidents in North Carolina have us mindful of the dangers we all face on roadways now that we are in the days of summer. According to WRAL, the first involved an unlicensed driver that caused a motorcycle and pickup truck to collide with her Saturn while making a left turn. The turn caused a fourth vehicle to swerve and hit two other cars making a total of six vehicles involved in the Fayetteville accident.The motorcyclist was seriously injured and taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in critical condition. The two passengers in the vehicle that that caused the accident sustained minor injuries.

The second accident, according to WSOCTV, resulted in a National Weather Service Advisory when a 17-year-old boy was struck by lightning on a motorcycle. The accident points out that not only should motorcyclists be cautious of other drivers but also of the weather conditions they opt to ride in. The boy was riding on his motorcycle on Brown Mountain Beach Road in Burke County when lightning struck, causing burns to his legs according to emergency officials.

According to the GHSA preliminary data, North Carolina motorcyclist fatalities were up during the first nine months of 2010 when compared to the previous year during the same time period. Most states show a substantial increase in motorcyclist fatalities during the third quarter.

For instance, North Carolina reported 80 biker deaths during the first 6 months of 2010 and by the end of September 2010 a total of 144 motorcyclist fatalities were reported, showing an increase of 64 deaths over a 3-month period from July 1 to September 30, 2010.

The best riding weather in most states, especially in colder climates, is now through the end of September. During the next few months, motorcyclists can enhance safety by following these Tips of the Day by Dr. Ray:

• Waiting in pairs is permissible at stop signs or traffic lights but never pair up on roadways while in motion.
• Your passenger should look over your shoulder in the direction of the turn when cornering.
• Only pass other vehicles individually, never in large groups or pairs.
• Make sure your passenger holds on to the hand grips located on most bikes or grabs on around your waist.
• Avoid taking medicine for common colds before you ride because they often make you drowsy. Read all labels before taking.
• If your throttle becomes stuck, hit the cut-off switch.
• Winds of 25 mph can make motorcycle riding difficult. If high winds, thunderstorms, hail or other inclement weather conditions are expected, refrain from taking your motorcycle out on the road.
• To find a motorcycle safety course near you, click on Motorcycle Safety Foundation to get started.

Continue reading "Summer Days Most Deadly for Motorcyclists in Winston-Salem and Throughout North Carolina" »

A recent scooter accident in Salisbury has our Statesville car accident lawyers reminding motorists to keep a watchful eye as we are in the height of motorcycle season. Motorized scooters are even more difficult to see and hear as they are much smaller in size and quieter on roadways.

The Salisbury Post reports that a woman was hospitalized with serious head and leg injuries following a crash on her motor scooter. She was driving her moped on Mooresville Road when she collided with another vehicle at an intersection. The driver of the vehicle saw two mopeds riding together, thought he could get through the intersection without hitting them, but collided with the second scooter. The woman was thrown from her scooter and later flown to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center for medical care. The driver of the vehicle was not injured but was cited for failing to yield at a stop sign.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission conducted a powered scooter study from July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004. During that period, there were an estimated 10,015 powered scooter-related injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms.

Furthermore, almost 23,500 injuries were medically treated (meaning doctor's offices, clinics or hospitals) during that period that were caused by some sort of power scooter vehicle. Most of the victims were male under the age of 15. The most common types of injuries were hematomas, cuts, bruises and contusions and fractures. A small percentage of injuries (8.4 percent) were concussions or internal organ-related injuries.

Most of us may consider the term scooter to be like a children's toy but the fact of the matter is they are more like a motorcycle. Motorized scooters to be driven on roadways can be dangerous for inexperienced riders. The North Carolina motorcycle helmet law, which covers mopeds and scooters, dictates that a legal helmet will have a permanent DOT symbol stuck to the back of the helmet. Riders should only use accredited helmets while riding.

Safety tips for scooter users:

• Find and take an approved safety course for scooters near you.


• Never carry a passenger on a scooter that is only meant for one person.


• Ride with your headlights on.


• Travel at a safe speed in the flow of traffic. If your scooter only maintains lower speeds, ride in the right hand lane.


• Obey laws like not sharing a lane, stop signs and yielding the right of way.


• Remain attentive for opening car doors or parked vehicles pulling out of a parking spot that may not see you coming.


• Check the owner's manual for maximum weight requirements and stay within the parameters when carrying bags or luggage.

Scooter riders should use caution on uneven or gravel roadways. Avoiding an accident is difficult under certain circumstances so drive defensively and always be alert when traveling on roadways.

Continue reading "Statesville Scooter Accidents a High Risk During Height of Motorcycle Season in North Carolina" »

As part of Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month in May, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and first gentleman Michael Haley attended a rally recently held at the grounds of the Statehouse, reports The State.

The event was in large part to highlight motorcycle safety and bikers' rights on roadways with lawmakers and bikers getting up to speak at the rally.

The month of May is traditionally one of the most dangerous for motorcycle accidents in North Carolina and elsewhere. Due to this fact, personal injury lawyers in Greensboro, Hickory, Asheville and elsewhere throughout the state are urging motorists and motorcyclists to share the roads in order to reduce injuries and fatalities this month and throughout the year.

According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System used by the U.S. Department of Transportation, North Carolina reported 155 motorcyclists fatalities in 2009. From 2005 through 2009, there were as many as 201 fatalities reported in 2007; with an average of over 165 motorcycle deaths per year over the 5-year period. South Carolina reported 108 motorcycle fatalities in 2009. The five year high for South Carolina motorcyclists fatalities was 131, also in 2007, during that same time period from 2005-2009.

There are a number of common injuries that can occur from motorcycle crashes. Broken bones are probably the most obvious. Brain injuries are another common motorcycle injury that can be fatal. Personality changes or loss of motor control can make brain injuries permanent and life altering. Organ injuries often need immediate surgery to remedy the damage found in the internal organ and can sometimes require a long recovery process following the accident. Road rash can be extremely painful and leave lasting scars.

Whether injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident are minimal or life-changing, the medical costs add up. Most victims require a trip to the emergency room at minimum and in many cases much more extensive care is needed. It is important to contact a law firm immediately to evaluate your damages and seek professional advice on how to proceed with a course of action.

Continue reading "Costs of injuries in North Carolina motorcycle accidents add up, requiring help from experienced law firm" »

Improving highway safety seems to be on the minds of everyone these days, according to a recent survey published by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

The government's initiative to reduce car accidents in North Carolina and elsewhere in the country has gained the attention of many motorists who use our roadways.

Car accident attorneys in Statesville, Winston-Salem and Greensboro know that getting drunk and distracted drivers off the roadways improves safety but there still remains much to be done by state and federal governments to reduce the number of fatalities each year on American roadways. The launch of 'Decade of Action for Road Safety' campaign has gone global in the fight against deaths on roadways. Regrettably, campaigns don't really help victims or their families with the financial hardships faced after suffering a severe or fatal injury -- so seeking professional advice is an important step to maintaining financial stability throughout the recovery process.

We first mentioned the international campaign last month on our North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Blog. The Safe Systems Approach over the next 10 years aims to improve vehicle safety, build safer roadways, change unfavorable driving behaviors, and improve the emergency care given following a crash.

"At a time when more and more U.S. highway safety agencies are adopting "Toward Zero Death" goals, it is very heartening to see motorist support for more, not less action by government to make our roads safer," said J. Peter Kissinger, President of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, that commissioned this survey.

The AAA Foundation reports the following responses from American motorists on the survey:

-70 percent agree that stricter driving safety laws should be imposed.

-41 percent agree that the federal government should make cars safer, 60 percent feel automakers have the responsibility to enhance car safety.

-86 percent agree that a driver education course should be completed prior to licensing for all new drivers.

-57 percent agree that state government legislatures should be more active in making roadways safer in respective states.

-62 percent agree that our country needs more laws to curb bad driving behaviors.
It is projected that by 2020, there will be almost 2 million traffic fatalities throughout the entire world in a calendar year. The universal goal is to put monetary resources towards education, road design, technology, and laws in order to reduce traffic fatalities worldwide.

May 11th, 2011 marks the official launch of 'Decade of Action for Road Safety' with an event hosted in Washington, D.C. Over 50 countries and 30 U.S. states will show support of the global campaign by wearing the trademark symbol, the yellow tag, in recognition of a worldwide effort to make roadways safer.

For more information about the event, click here to view.

Continue reading " Motorists support worldwide effort to reduce traffic fatalities in North Carolina, throughout the country" »

We post frequently on our North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Blog about the dangers teen drivers face on roadways, as well as programs, contests and incentives offered by organizations in order increase teen awareness about distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence.

Teens are at a high risk of car accidents in North Carolina -- especially during the upcoming prom and graduation season.

Charlotte injury lawyers are the first to applaud organizations who host events and contests because awareness is the first step in curbing the bad behavior. Teens who learn about the risks involved, and who see first-hand what can happen, tend to talk to other teens.

Peer pressure can have a positive effect in reducing the number of teens practicing bad behaviors when they are behind the wheel.

The National Safety Council and safety advocate group FocusDriven recently teamed up to promote the "On the Road, Off the Phone" public service announcement contest for teens and adults throughout the United States. The contest, sponsored by The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., encouraged wannabe filmmakers to make a short video about the dangers of talking on a cell phone while driving.

The winners of the contest have been announced. First place went to a young driver from Tennessee with a video called "Your Phone Can Wait". Her video won because it illustrated cognitive distraction and inattention blindness accurately, two concepts that are not easily portrayed.

A father-son duo from Illinois were awarded second place for their video "You Wouldn't..." which illustrates the things you shouldn't do while driving like eating, grooming, and answering your cell phone. Third place was awarded for the video created by a company in Virginia. The video called "Please Don't" illustrates a mom talking on her hands-free headset, who then must deal with the aftermath of a crash that killed her daughter.

Monetary prizes of $2,000, $1,000, and $500 were awarded to first, second and third place finishers respectively. The videos can be viewed at nsc.org/PSAcontest.

The two non-profit groups have made a valiant effort recently in advocating against cell phone use and distracted driving. Together they worked in launching the first ever distracted driving awareness month during April as we recently posted on our North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Blog.

Cell phones continue to be the highest form of distraction while driving causing a high percentage of crashes on our North Carolina roadways. Turn off your phone while you drive or it could be the last conversation you ever have.

Continue reading "Cell Phones Common Cause of North Carolina Car Accidents" »

A Butler High School football player is facing charges in connection with a Charlotte, North Carolina car accident that claimed the life of a 51-year-old man, News Channel 9 reported.

Our Charlotte injury lawyers frequently report the dangers faced by teen drivers on our roads and encourage parents to speak to their young adults early and often about the importance of making good driving decisions. Only by using each of these tragedies as a teaching opportunity can we have a positive impact on the dangers faced by teenage drivers on the road.

In this case, the 17-year-old withdrew from the football team this week, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools officials. He faces a misdemeanor charge of death by vehicle, driving without a license and failure to yield the right of way. The DMV reports he was never issued a driver's license.

The school senior and former running back turned across Rocky River Church Road to go left onto Camp Steward Road when he hit the victim on his motorcycle, according to police. The fatal Charlotte motorcycle accident is also a reminder that riders will be out enjoying a few last rides as long as the weather is tolerable. Motorcycle accidents usually lead to very serious or fatal injuries to riders and keeping an eye out for motorcycles can help motorists avoid such tragedies through the final weeks of riding season.

The rider was pronounced dead at the scene. Police report that the teen was also charged with driving without a license in September. The victim's wife of nearly 30 years, as well as his daughter and son-in-law, said he was an avid motorcycle rider who enjoyed getting out on his bike whenever he could.

Continue reading "Teen driver blamed for causing fatal Charlotte car accident that killed motorcycle rider" »

Authorities are urging motorists to remain alert for motorcycles and help reduce the number of serious and fatal Carolina motorcycle accidents as the long summer riding season begins.

"Educating both bikers and other drivers about the importance of motorcycle safety and being aware of their surroundings is key to making our state a safer place to travel," said North Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Gene Conti.

North Carolina motorcycle accidents claimed 151 lives last year, down slightly from the 159 riders killed in 2008. And, while motorcycles account for just 2 percent of registered vehicles, riders are involved in 12 percent of fatal accidents.

South Carolina motorcycle accidents claimed 115 lives in 2008. Nationwide, a total of 5,290 riders were killed and more than 96,000 injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Half of all motorcycle accidents involved a collision with another vehicle. In three-quarters of those cases, the motorcycle was struck in the front, frequently when a vehicle failed to yield while making a turn or pulling out of a drive or parking lot.

Because of their small size, it can be difficult to judge the speed of a motorcycle. Motorists are encouraged to take a few extra moments to allow a motorcycle to pass before turning or proceeding into the roadway.

Preliminary data suggests the downturn in the economy may have reduced the number of motorcycle deaths in 2009 for the first time in more than a decade. While the government will release figures later this summer, motorcycle accidents had increased in each of the past 11 years -- even as the number of overall traffic fatalities has declined.

The Governor's Highway Safety Association estimates motorcycle accidents nationwide declined to 4,762 last year.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation encourages drivers to watch for motorcycles:

-Share the road: Motorcycles have a right to their own lane.

-Stay alert: Motorcycles can be easily hidden in a car's blind spot. Take the time to check thoroughly before entering traffic or changing lanes.

-Keep a safe distance: Allow more following distance when behind a motorcycle.

Be Cautious: Be aware that most motorcycle turn signals are not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to shut them off. Be sure of a rider's intentions before proceeding.

Continue reading "Carolina motorcycle accidents a summertime danger " »