Riding a motorcycle, while it can be a lot of fun, also comes with some dangers. Motorcycle riders are less protected than those in enclosed vehicles, leaving them at greater risk of catastrophic and life-threatening injuries in accidents.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges motorcyclists to use helmets, make themselves visible, and stay alert while riding. However, accidents can and do still happen, even when motorcyclists are doing all the right things to try to keep themselves safe.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), nearly 5,200 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2017 alone. Motorcyclists were also 27 times more likely to die than passenger car occupants that year—a number that continues to rise.
In order to protect your legal rights, it is absolutely crucial to know what you should do in the days following a motorcycle accident.
Seek Medical Advice
You should seek medical help as soon as possible in the days following a motorcycle accident, especially if you did not see a doctor on the day of the accident. There are several reasons why this can be an important first step.
First, some injuries may not present themselves for a few days or even weeks after an accident. Second, if you want to take action against an at-fault driver, a medical report can serve as evidence of the injuries you suffered. Getting medical help as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident can be important for your health and well-being as well as preserving your legal rights.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
You should also consider contacting a motorcycle accident lawyer, especially if you suffered considerable injuries and property damages in an accident that was someone else’s fault. You will want to get professional legal advice as soon as possible after an accident.
A motorcycle accident lawyer who knows the laws and regulations regarding car and motorcycle accidents can advise you accordingly and represent your best interests when negotiating for a settlement. If your case goes to court, a motorcycle accident lawyer can gather evidence and provide expert witnesses to build your case against the at-fault party. They can also represent you and fight for you in court.
Keep Detailed Notes
If you have not already done so, now is the time to gather pivotal information and documents. Write down exactly how the accident happened—including details about the weather and road conditions on the day of the accident—and make sure that you have all the contact information of any drivers and witnesses involved at the scene. It can also be a good idea to track your injuries, treatments, and how the injuries affect your daily life. Keeping detailed notes on all aspects of the accident, your injuries, and your recovery can be helpful if you initiate legal action.
Collect Evidence
If you took any photographs or video recordings at the scene of the accident, make sure they are stored together in a safe place. You should also include any statements from witnesses or other drivers. you will want to make sure that they are safe and all in one place, for example, a folder. If you suffered any property damage, be sure to keep all relevant documents relating to your repair or replacement costs. These may include:
- Repair records
- Car rental expenses
- Records of improvements made to your motorcycle prior to the accident
You will also need a complete record of all your medical treatments and expenses. If you have lost income because of your injuries, you can include pay stubs and other evidence to support any lost income claims.
There will likely be additional evidence to collect, such as police reports, traffic camera footage, and any other evidence proving the fault of another driver. A motorcycle accident lawyer can help you gather and organize the evidence for your case.
Motorcycle Accident Compensation
What you do in the days following a motorcycle accident can help you get the compensation you deserve in the future. If you can prove that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries and losses, you can potentially take legal action and sue them for compensation. Some common types of compensation in motorcycle accident cases include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and future lost wages
- Awards for pain and suffering
- Awards for loss of quality of life
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Today
It can be challenging to prove fault and negligence in some motorcycle accidents, but you do not have to go through this on your own. If you suffered extensive injuries and property damage, a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you fight for your legal rights.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 223-5115 for a free review of your motorcycle accident case.