Road accidents are something that people can never prepare for. No matter how cautious a driver you are, there are some things beyond your control that can inevitably lead to a road crash. That being said, an accident on two wheels has potentially more damaging consequences to the driver and its passengers when compared with an accident on a four wheeled vehicle.
Statistics indicate that roughly 80% of motorcycle crashes end up in devastating injuries or fatalities. A motorcycle injury lawyer noted that there there are numerous reasons for getting into a motorcycle accident from speeding, DUI, lane splitting, sudden stops, faulty motorcycle defects, hazardous road conditions, and even inexperienced drivers. Whatever the reason may be, anyone like you who owns a motorcycle must always be prepared when you get onto the road because you are far more vulnerable in this kind of vehicle. When an accident occurs, your body will take the brunt of the force of impact and it will take a huge beating.
Apart from preparing the usual motorcycle gear from helmet, Kevlar body suits, gloves, and riding boots, you have to be even more alert on the road when riding a motorcycle than a car because one tiny mistake can have fatal results. A motorcycle accident attorney noted that even with all the proper gear, motorcycle riders can still end up with debilitating injuries that can make them permanently disabled for the rest of their lives or the injury can kill them. It is critical for motorcycle drivers to never be too complacent and think that their gear is infallible. In case you do get into an accident while riding your motorcycle, a personal injury attorney Los Angeles area said that you must remember to do these things:
Never Admit Any Kind of Fault
When people accidentally bump each other with their bodies, they are quick to apologize to each other because this is a form of good manners. It is part of human nature to feel apologetic for hurting someone. However, if you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you should never apologize for the accident because many times, the cause of a road accident is unclear and has yet to be determined.
A motorcycle injury lawyer said that a road accident is jarring and you will certainly not recall all the details pertinent to your situation immediately after the impact. It is normal to feel shaken or to go in shock. During this time, be careful with the statements you say because it can have serious repercussions and legal consequences down the line. The last thing you want is for your insurance to abandon you because you admitted that it’s your fault.
Call the Authorities
Assuming you don’t have any fatal injuries that requires you to stay immobile, then you must call the authorities. It is important that they can get to the accident as soon as possible so they will be able to assess your situation. Damages that need claim need a police report. The same goes if there are any injuries. Make sure that the other parties are okay and if someone is in pain, ascertain that emergency medical assistance is on their way.
A motorcycle accident attorney noted that a police report is vital to your case for recovering damages to your bike and even injuries to yourself. Some of these injuries do not even show themselves until hours after the accident. By letting the police know of the details, you are already one step closer to building a solid case that will help you get just compensation, especially if it is not your fault. Be sure to take down the officer’s name and contact information, so you can get in touch with him later if necessary.
Collect All Other Pertinent Information
Ensure that you have the names of everyone else involved in the car crash, including their contact details and plate numbers. If they are willing to divulge insurance information, get that as well. Now is the time to use your camera phone so you can take many pictures and videos of the car accident. These pictorial evidences will serve as a better form of documentation, which may be helpful for your case if it goes into litigation. On top of all these, keep an organized detail of events for your records. This will make your life a lot easier later, so you don’t mix up the details.
Additional information that can be taken in the video are the actual location of the accident, the road conditions during the time of the accident, the speed signs, the direction of the traffic, and all those pertinent details. Be sure to include landmarks, mile markers, and the major intersections when you take down notes. This will allow you to go back to the incident later if you need it to refresh your memory.
Take Note of Possible Witnesses
A personal injury attorney in Los Angeles area emphasizing in accidents noted that it is vital for any legal matter to have witnesses because they make your case stronger. If possible interview everyone who is on the scene who may have possibly witnessed the moment of impact. If they permit, record your conversation with your phone’s audio recorder. You can write down the key facts in a piece of paper.
Collect as much information as you possibly can while the accident is still fresh on everyone’s minds. Don’t forget to collect their names and contact details, as well, because your lawyer may need to interview them at a later date.
Alert Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company to inform them about what happened. Don’t state that it is your fault. Just give as much factual information as you possibly can, so they can document the crash and review it later when you file a claim.
Contact Your Lawyer
A motorcycle accident, especially one that is caused by an errant and negligent party, will be a traumatic period for you. If you suffered injuries, you may have exorbitant medical bills to deal with. This can also mean having to incur expensive rehabilitation bills. On top of that, this means a huge loss in income because you cannot get to work.
Don’t forget to add your damaged motorcycle to the list. All of these, along with the trauma, pain, anxiety, sleepless nights, and inconveniences of the accident to you and your family, must be properly compensated. By handing over your case to a reputable law firm means you get a greater chance of winning a good settlement.
Your lawyer will gather all the necessary evidences and documents on your behalf, so you can focus on the more important aspect of recovering after your accident. It is critical to contact a lawyer immediately to protect your interest, especially from the other driver’s insurance agents who will come to you like vultures.
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