An SUV turning left onto Bay Drive struck an eastbound motorcycle on Highway 24 near Brandywine Boulevard in Carteret County on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025. The collision occurred around 12:30 p.m. east of Morehead City. The motorcycle rider suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to ECU Health, while the SUV driver was reportedly uninjured. North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues investigating the crash, with no charges filed yet.
Julian Doby, with over 26 years of legal experience, provides dedicated legal representation for individuals involved in motorcycle accidents throughout Carteret County, Morehead City, Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, and surrounding coastal areas. His focus is on protecting your rights and addressing the unique challenges motorcycle accident cases present.
What Happened in This Highway 24 Motorcycle Accident?
The Christmas Day collision took place at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Highway 24 near Brandywine Boulevard, east of Morehead City in Carteret County. According to WITN, a westbound SUV attempted to turn left onto Bay Drive while an eastbound motorcycle was traveling on Highway 24.
The SUV struck the motorcycle during the left turn maneuver. The impact caused serious injuries to the motorcycle rider, who required immediate airlift transport to ECU Health by medical helicopter. The SUV driver did not sustain injuries in the collision.
Both directions of Highway 24 were shut down for approximately three hours to allow medical helicopter access and enable North Carolina State Highway Patrol investigators to document the crash scene. The roadway reopened at 3:30 p.m. Trooper investigation remains active, with no charges reported as of this time.
The intersection of Highway 24 and Bay Drive sees regular traffic from both local residents and travelers accessing coastal communities. Left-turn collisions at this location create particular hazards for motorcyclists who have limited visibility to turning drivers.
Who’s Responsible When Left-Turning Vehicles Cause Motorcycle Accidents?
Left-turn motorcycle accidents typically involve clear liability questions under North Carolina traffic law. The driver making a left turn bears the legal duty to yield to oncoming traffic before completing the turn. When a turning driver fails to yield and strikes an oncoming motorcycle, that failure establishes negligence.
North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule, which means injured parties cannot recover compensation if they contributed to the accident in any way. Even one percent of fault bars recovery completely. This makes left-turn cases particularly significant for motorcyclists, because defendants often claim the motorcycle was speeding or the rider could have avoided the collision.
Key factors courts examine in left-turn motorcycle collisions include:
- Failure to yield: Did the turning driver have a clear duty to yield to oncoming traffic?
- Visibility: Was the motorcycle visible to a reasonably attentive driver?
- Turn signal use: Did the turning driver signal the intended left turn?
- Speed: Was the motorcycle traveling at or near the speed limit?
- Evasive action: Did the motorcyclist have time and ability to avoid the collision?
Insurance companies aggressively defend left-turn motorcycle cases by claiming riders were speeding, failed to maintain proper lookout, or could have taken evasive action. They know North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule means proving even minimal fault by the motorcyclist bars all recovery.
The motorcycle’s eastbound direction and the SUV’s left-turn movement create a classic failure-to-yield scenario. Physical evidence including skid marks, impact location, vehicle damage patterns, and witness statements help establish whether the turning driver allowed adequate clearance for oncoming traffic.
Julian Doby understands the unique challenges posed by motorcycle accidents, particularly in high-traffic coastal areas like Highway 24 near Morehead City. Thorough investigation immediately after the crash preserves critical evidence before it disappears.
What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident on Highway 24?
Seek immediate medical evaluation even if you initially feel uninjured. Motorcycle accidents generate severe impact forces, and adrenaline masks pain from internal injuries, fractures, and traumatic brain injuries. The airlift transport in this case demonstrates the serious nature of motorcycle collision injuries.
Document everything at the accident scene if physically able. Photograph all vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic control devices, sight distance obstructions, and the final vehicle positions. Obtain witness contact information before people leave the scene. Request the North Carolina Highway Patrol crash report through proper channels.
Never provide recorded statements to insurance adjusters before consulting an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Insurance companies use early statements to establish contributory negligence defenses. Statements about your speed, traffic conditions, or ability to see the turning vehicle can be used against you.
Preserve all physical evidence from the crash. Do not repair your motorcycle before photographs and expert inspection document the damage patterns. Impact location, crush depth, and component failure provide critical evidence about collision dynamics and fault determination.
North Carolina law gives you three years under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52 to file personal injury claims. However, evidence deteriorates rapidly. Skid marks fade within days, traffic camera footage gets erased, and witnesses’ memories become less reliable. Prompt legal representation protects your ability to build a strong case.
Insurance companies often contact injured motorcyclists within hours offering quick settlements. These initial offers rarely reflect the full value of serious injuries requiring extended treatment, multiple surgeries, or permanent disability. Contact Julian Doby before accepting any settlement offer or signing any documents from insurance companies.
Where Are Motorcycle Accident Cases Filed in Carteret County?
Personal injury cases arising from motorcycle accidents in Carteret County are filed in Carteret County Superior Court, located at 300 Courthouse Square in Beaufort. The North Carolina court system handles personal injury cases in Superior Court when damages exceed $25,000.
Carteret County Superior Court has jurisdiction over serious injury cases throughout the county, including accidents in Morehead City, Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Emerald Isle, Cedar Point, and other coastal communities. Motorcycle accidents typically involve substantial damages from medical treatment, lost income, permanent injuries, and pain and suffering.
The court examines medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, future treatment needs, lost earning capacity, physical impairment, and impact on quality of life when determining appropriate compensation. North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule requires meticulous preparation, as defendants aggressively pursue any evidence suggesting partial fault by the motorcyclist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Highway 24 Motorcycle Accidents
How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident claim in North Carolina?
North Carolina gives you three years under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52 to file personal injury claims from the accident date. Missing this deadline permanently bars your claim. Evidence preservation requires much earlier action, so contact an attorney immediately after the crash.
What court handles motorcycle accident cases in Carteret County?
Carteret County Superior Court handles personal injury cases with damages exceeding $25,000. The courthouse is located at 300 Courthouse Square in Beaufort. Motorcycle accidents typically involve serious injuries meeting Superior Court’s jurisdictional threshold.
Can I recover compensation if the SUV driver turned left into my path?
Yes, if you can prove the driver failed to yield right-of-way and that you did not contribute to the collision through speeding, inattention, or failure to take evasive action. North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule bars recovery if you bear any fault, making thorough investigation critical.
What if the SUV driver claims I was speeding on my motorcycle?
Speed claims are common insurance defenses in motorcycle cases. Physical evidence including impact dynamics, damage patterns, skid marks, and posted speed limits help establish actual speed. Expert reconstruction testimony often proves critical in refuting false speed allegations.
How much does a Carteret County motorcycle accident attorney cost?
Julian Doby handles motorcycle accident cases on contingency fees. You pay nothing unless compensation is recovered. This allows injured riders to obtain quality legal representation without upfront costs while focusing on medical recovery.
Contact Our Carteret County Office About Your Motorcycle Accident
If you were involved in the Highway 24 accident or any motorcycle collision in Carteret County, Julian Doby offers comprehensive legal support tailored to the specific challenges motorcycle cases present. He works diligently to protect your rights while you focus on recovery from serious injuries.
Contact Julian Doby for a consultation about your Carteret County motorcycle accident. We handle personal injury cases throughout Morehead City, Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Emerald Isle, and all of Carteret County on contingency fees. Call today to discuss your legal options.
About This Article: This content is based on reports from WITN regarding a recent accident in Carteret County investigated by North Carolina State Highway Patrol. We provide this information as an educational resource about personal injury law in North Carolina. If you are directly connected to this accident and have questions or concerns about this article, please contact us at (336) 221-8900.
Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information about motorcycle accidents in Carteret County, North Carolina and should not be considered legal advice. Every case is different. For advice about your specific situation, contact a licensed North Carolina attorney.