Motorcycle Accident Attorney Alamance County, NC
Motorcycle riders in Alamance County face a double threat.
The physical danger of riding among inattentive drivers on I-40/I-85, NC-87, and US-70. And the legal danger of NC's contributory negligence rule - which insurance companies weaponize against riders specifically. Their adjusters assume juries will find a motorcycle rider at least 1% at fault. After 28 years, I know how to prove them wrong. I know what arguments they make. I know how they build their case and I know how to dismantle it.
Call 336-221-8900. My office is at 110 W. Elm Street in Graham, 0.2 miles from the Alamance County courthouse.
| CANNOT Use Against You (NC Law) | WILL Try to Use Against You |
|---|---|
| Helmet non-use - prohibited by § 20-140.4(b) | Your speed before impact |
| That you chose to ride a motorcycle | Your lane position at impact |
| That motorcycles are inherently risky | Whether you were in a blind spot |
SHORT ANSWER: NC requires all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-140.4. But § 20-140.4(b) prohibits using helmet non-use as negligence per se or contributory negligence per se. The insurance company cannot use the fact you weren't wearing a helmet as automatic proof of fault.
The rider protection under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-140.4(b) is one of the strongest rider protections in NC law. Most riders - and many attorneys - do not know this provision exists. I know it well. I know how to use it. And I know how to stop insurance adjusters who try to misrepresent it.
NC's Helmet Law: What It Protects and What It Doesn't
SHORT ANSWER: 'I didn't see your motorcycle' is the most common defense in Alamance County motorcycle cases. I know how to use crash reconstruction, road geometry, and sight-line analysis to prove that a driver exercising ordinary care would have seen your motorcycle in time to avoid the crash. After 28 years handling these cases, I know exactly what evidence to look for and how to present it.
On I-40/I-85 through Burlington, the blind spot argument is particularly common at on-ramps and exits. I know how to document those locations. I know how to measure sight distances. And I know how to put together the expert evidence that wins these cases in Alamance County courts.
The Last Clear Chance doctrine is a separate tool. If the other driver saw your motorcycle in a dangerous position - or should have seen it - and had time to avoid the crash but failed to act, you may recover even if you were partly at fault. After 28 years handling motorcycle cases in Alamance County, I know how to identify when this doctrine applies and how to argue it effectively.
The 'I Didn't See You' Defense: I Know How to Beat It
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in Alamance County
SHORT ANSWER: Call 911. Get full medical evaluation at Cone Health ARMC, 1240 Huffman Mill Road, Burlington (24/7, (336) 538-7000) - motorcycle crashes produce serious injuries that aren't always immediately apparent. Preserve your helmet and all riding gear exactly as they are. Call 336-221-8900 before talking to any insurance company.
Call 911. Get full medical evaluation at Cone Health ARMC, 1240 Huffman Mill Road, Burlington, (336) 538-7000. Even if you feel okay - head trauma and internal injuries from motorcycle crashes often are not immediately apparent.
Preserve your helmet, jacket, gloves, and all riding gear exactly as they are. Do not repair, replace, or discard anything. This gear is evidence. I know how to use it.
Get your crash report. Graham PD: graham.ecrash.interplat.com. Burlington PD: burlington.ecrash.interplat.com. NCSHP: vehicle-search.ncshp.org/accidents (5-7 business days).
Photograph your motorcycle from all angles, your injuries, road conditions, and the other vehicle's position.
Do not give any recorded statement. Call 336-221-8900 immediately.
What NOT to Say After a Motorcycle Crash
"Riders are supposed to watch out for cars." - Don't acknowledge extra risk. Drivers owe riders the same duty of care as other drivers. I know how to establish that duty in Alamance County courts.
"I might have been going a little fast." - 1% fault may bar your entire recovery. Never speculate about speed.
"I wasn't wearing my helmet." - § 20-140.4(b) protects you legally, but don't volunteer information to adjusters.
Documents You'll Need
Police crash report
Your helmet and all riding gear - preserved exactly as they were after the crash
All medical records: emergency room, trauma care, follow-up treatment
Photographs of your motorcycle, your injuries, road conditions, and the other vehicle's position
The other driver's insurance information and license details
Witness names and phone numbers
Any dashcam or helmet camera footage
Areas I Serve
My office is at 110 W. Elm Street in downtown Graham. I handle motorcycle accident cases throughout Alamance County and surrounding counties.
Burlington | Graham | Mebane | Chapel Hill
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-140.4(b) prohibits using helmet non-use as negligence per se or contributory negligence per se. I know this statute and I know how to use it to protect you.
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If the other driver saw your motorcycle in a dangerous position - or should have seen it - and had time and ability to avoid the crash but failed to act, you may still recover even if you were partially at fault. After 28 years handling these cases in Alamance County courts, I know how to identify and argue this doctrine.
Call Before You Talk to Any Insurance Company
Call 336-221-8900. I don't waste your time or mine. If you have a case, I'll tell you. If you don't, I'll tell you that too.
Don't sign anything. Don't give recorded statements. Call me first.
Julian Doby Law
110 W. Elm Street, Graham, NC 27253
336-221-8900
Legal Disclaimer: This page provides general information about motorcycle accident law in Alamance County. It is not legal advice. Reading this does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case.