In 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted that there were 5,579 motorcycle fatalities, representing 14% of all road-accident deaths. Since the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) began in 1975, motorcycle fatalities have held the top spot in numbers. Fatal motorcycle accidents rose 11% in 2020 from 2019, an increase from 5,044 to 5,579. While these statistics may not mean much, they are a sobering reminder of how dangerous motorcycles can be.
If you or someone you know were involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s vital to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. An experienced personal injury attorney can assist you in navigating the complex legal process and ensure you receive proper medical care and the compensation you deserve. Don’t try to go through it alone – let a motorcycle accident attorney from a reputable law firm guide you so you can get your life back together after a motorcycle crash. Let’s find out how you can do that.
What To Do if You Were Hit by a Motorcycle
From the moment you hear that loud crash to the final relief of getting justice for a motorcyclist’s reckless driving, you must take steps to ensure you receive the proper care.
It is frustrating when you can’t think properly during the phases following your accident. However, it is still necessary that you are able to recall what happened to gather all details about the crash. After all, you shouldn’t take the blame for someone else’s careless driving. We will walk you through what you shouldn’t forget to do in each phase during and after experiencing a motorcycle accident.
At the accident scene
- Seek immediate medical attention: Even if your injuries are not that serious, it’s always best to have a professional check things out. Gather records of all medical treatment you have received because of the accident.
- Contact the police or other authorities to file an accident report: This will be an essential document in any potential legal proceedings. Be sure to get all the necessary information, such as the other driver’s contact information and license plate number. Gather all your evidence at the scene of the accident, such as pictures or witness statements.
- Keep your comments about the accident to a minimum: It’s always best to speak to a lawyer before providing any formal statements. Protect your rights as an accident victim by following these tips.
After the accident
Whether you’re the accident victim being rushed to the hospital with injuries or dealing with the aftermath of a loved one’s death, the moments after an accident are overwhelming. You should know what to do to protect your rights and get the medical and financial compensation you deserve.
- Document everything: This includes any available CCTV footage, official police reports, and your account of what happened. This will be crucial evidence in building your case.
- Call a reliable motorcycle accident lawyer: A lawyer will know how to deal with the other party and will also help you avoid medical malpractice. Moreover, they’ll make sure you get fair compensation, which can include medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses from pain and suffering.
Don’t try to go through this process alone. With the help of a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer, you can get the justice you deserve.
During an investigation
It’s essential to know what to do – and what not to do – in the days and weeks after the accident.
First and foremost, you should avoid talking to the
Allow your attorney to negotiate with the
Reasons To Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Although vehicular accidents are common, motorcycle riders are more vulnerable to road accidents than people in other vehicles. If you’re one of the unlucky people who was involved in a motorcycle accident and you’re not the driver at fault, you may consider hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer.
Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer lets you focus on recovering from the accident as they fight on your behalf and protect your rights in court.
The following are four other common reasons why it may be a good idea to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer:
Negotiate with the insurer
Many motorcycle riders are reluctant to hire a personal injury attorney after an accident because they think it’s too expensive. They may think that they can handle the
Insurance adjusters are often trained to minimize claims and may take advantage of riders who don’t have legal representation. A personal injury attorney can save you from falling into these
Do the paperwork
Many personal injury attorneys offer free consultations. Use this time to explain the circumstances of your accident and ask any questions about the process. If you hire an attorney, they will do the paperwork for you and help you fill out the required documents.
Some personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you’ll only have to pay them if you win your case. This arrangement gives motorcycle riders, who may not have a lot of money, an opportunity to get the legal representation they need.
Gather evidence
Those involved in motorcycle accidents often suffer from road rash, which is a painful and debilitating condition. In addition to physical pain, car accidents can lead to high medical bills and lost wages. If you’re an accident victim, hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer who can get you the compensation you deserve and help you through the process is essential.
Personal injury attorneys are well-versed in the specifics of the law and know how to build and develop a strong case. They will work alongside expert witnesses to establish liability and prove the extent of your injuries. Getting yourself a personal injury attorney is one of the best ways to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries.
Determine liability
The
Calculate compensation
Calculating the amount of money you’re owed can be complicated, which is why it’s also important to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer. An experienced attorney will calculate the value of your claim and fight for the maximum amount of money.
Some factors, such as car damage, medical costs, and lost income, can affect the amount of compensation you’re owed. Your motorcycle accident lawyer will consider all of these factors when calculating your claim. You may be entitled to more payment if you were disfigured or left with a permanent injury from the accident.
Don’t try to handle your motorcycle accident claim on your own. Hire a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer to ensure you get the proper compensation.
Pro-Tip
There are many ways to strengthen your motorcycle accident case. Monitor your expenses, get continued medical treatment, and forego vehicle repairs. Then, consult a lawyer to help you build a solid case against the at-fault driver.
Types of Damages Eligible for Compensation
Economic damages
These are monetary losses that you can objectively verify through billings and documents. This can include medical bills, lost earnings, the expenses of repairing or replacing property damage, and the value of household services.
In addition, you may be able to recover lost business or employment opportunities. These damages are intended to restore the financial status you had before you were involved in the motorcycle accident. Essentially, economic damages play a huge role in rebuilding your life to how it was before the accident.
Non-Economic damages
Aside from economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, you may also be able to seek non-economic damages for your pain and suffering.
Non-economic damages are meant to compensate you for the personal, non-financial losses you’ve suffered because of your injuries. These can include physical pain, mental suffering, emotional distress, and more. You may also be compensated for losing the enjoyment of life or independence due to your injuries.
Find the Right Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Whether you’re the driver or the passenger, if you were recently involved in a motorcycle accident, you know how frustrating it can get. You may have serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and need to take time off of work. The physical and emotional injuries can be draining, and the last thing you want is to worry about finding the right lawyer to handle your case and deal with the
At The Personal Injury Center, we understand the unique challenges of motorcycle accidents. That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of lawyers specializing in this area. We offer a free case evaluation to get you started on your claim as soon as possible.
Don’t risk everything by taking it all on yourself. Our network of experienced motorcycle accident lawyers is ready to fight for you. We’ll help you get the care and compensation you deserve so that you can focus on recovering from the accident. Call us today for a free consultation.
The Personal Injury Center provides comprehensive resources to guide you in getting the compensation you deserve. Contact us if you suffered personal injury from a motorcycle accident.Â
FAQs on What You Should Do if You Were Hit by a Motorcycle
What are the requirements for filing an accident report?
It's important to understand that most states require you to report any car accident that results in some injury, death, or even property damage. If you're involved in an accident, you should be cautious and file a report.
Regarding the actual report, there is no standard format or set of questions that you must answer. However, most reports will ask for basic information about the accident, such as the date, time, and location. You will also be asked to give a brief description of what happened. Moreover, the police officer may ask for your version of events and the contact information of witnesses.
If the other driver doesn't want to file a report, you can still file one on your own. It's a good idea to file your report even if the other driver doesn’t do so. This way, you can ensure that your side of the story is included in the official record.
Where can I find an experienced motor accident lawyer near me?
If you're a motor vehicle accident victim, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. You may be wondering how you will cover the cost of your medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages. Therefore, the first step is to contact an experienced motor accident lawyer who can evaluate your case and help you understand your legal options.Â
The Personal Injury Center has a network of experienced motor accident lawyers who are ready to help. We will connect you with up to three lawyers in your area so that you can choose the one that best fits your needs. The best part of our service is that it’s free. Therefore, please don't wait any longer. Contact us today and start working on getting the compensation you deserve.
Should I take the settlement from my insurance company right away?
After you've been in an accident, you’ll be wondering whether you should accept the settlement offered by the other driver's insurance company. While taking the money is tempting, it's important to remember that you might not be aware of the full extent of your injuries yet.Â
In many cases, pain doesn't manifest immediately after an accident. Therefore, waiting a few days or weeks before accepting a settlement is the best option. Doing so gives you time to fully understand your injuries and their potential impact on your life. Remember, there is no downside to waiting, but there is a downside to accepting too little too soon.
