July
21
5 Legal Things Motorcycle Accident Victims Should Do After the Accident
Motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of death for motorcyclists around the world. This is mostly due to the lack of protective gear and distractions from cell phones and other devices. According to Insurance Information Institute, around 5,000 motorcyclists die in accidents each year, while an estimated 84,000 are injured.
Motorcycle accidents are often fatal because the most common reason for motorcycle deaths is head or brain injuries. There is often a misconception that motorcycles are not as dangerous as cars because they do not have the weight and size to cause serious damage. However, motorcyclists may be at just as much risk for injury as their counterparts who drive cars. The major factor contributing to motorcycle deaths is a lack of protective gear, which can easily be removed if needed on a motorcycle. Motorcycle injuries also occur, the most common being Road rash, which happens when a person slides on the pavement after being hit off the bike.
When it comes to motorcycle accidents, it’s essential to know what to do, especially if you’re looking for legal assistance. So, here are five legal things motorcyclists can do after an accident:
What to do Immediately after the Accident
While the situation might be overwhelming at first, the most important thing you can do is keep your composure and assess your situation. Then, if you can do so safely, remove your helmet and contact anyone nearby for help.
Get Medical Attention ASAP
If you are just a passenger and you were not wearing a helmet, then there is nothing for you to do. However, if you were wearing a helmet and the driver was not, make sure they are okay and call the police. It is imperative that you get help immediately. You will also need to preserve the scene, so it’s vital that you don’t move anything, not even the bike. If you’re the driver, and there are injuries, try your best to tend to them until help arrives, don’t move the injured party, and ensure that traffic isn’t putting you or the other person in any more danger.
Write Down Key Vehicle Information and Witnesses Names & Contact Info.
Since you’ve been in an accident, you will need information for insurance and claims, and it is important to write down the following information about the other vehicle and any witnesses:
- Information About the Other Vehicle
- License plate number
- Make and model
- Color
- State issued registration number
- State of issue driver’s license number
- Insurance company name and policy number (should be on insurance card)
Collecting these details will help with insurance claims and provide a good overview of the accident. It can also be used as an investigative tool by law enforcement agencies if there is any suspicion of criminal activity or obstruction of justice regarding the accident or its aftermath.
File a Police Report if Necessary. Make sure to keep a copy for yourself.
You can file the report and keep a copy for yourself; it can help you if you are liable for damages if your accident resulted from negligence or wrongdoing on behalf of another party. A copy of that report can help your insurance company or file an injury lawsuit against the other party. You can use highly skilled injury lawyers who may be able to help you with your case and get you compensation.
Call Your Insurer and Start Recording Lost Wages, Medical Bills, and Expenses.
After your accident, you can call your insurer and start to record lost wages, medical bills, and expenses. You may be eligible for reimbursement if you still have a claim open with your insurance company. Your insurer can help you with this process by taking care of the paperwork, providing guidelines for what is reimbursable, and determining how much it will cost to get reimbursed for these types of expenses.
It’s okay to Demand Damages From Other Parties & Their Insurance Company!
When you are in an accident and would like to receive damages, it may seem daunting to try and figure out how to get these damages. A lot of people may not even try to make a claim, but it is vital that you try, especially if that person is liable for any injuries that you’ve sustained that have caused monetary distress. If they don’t have any assets, you can pursue the other party’s insurance company for compensation which could cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and anything else you need to help you recover.