While motorcyclists enjoy the freedom of the ride, they also expose themselves to dangers associated with this form of transportation. Unlike drivers who have their cars to cushion them against the force and trauma related to an accident, the structure of the bike exposes a greater risk to the outside elements for motorcycle riders.
Motorcycle Riding Risk
It is estimated that motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to die in a crash compared to someone riding in a car. Furthermore, they are five times more likely to be injured. According to the federal government, in 2006 there were 35 times more deaths from motorcycle related accidents than there were from cars.
The common risks motorcycle riders face include less stability, less visibility to cars, lack of a barrier between the road and the rider, and road hazards like wet pavements, potholes, and uneven road surfaces.
Liability in Motorcycle Accidents
The leading cause of motorcycle accidents is negligence. Drivers can be negligent by failing to check mirrors, speeding through a red light, or making turns without checking their mirrors.
Steps for Making a Claim After a Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident as a result of negligence, a motorcycle accident lawyer from Attkisson Law Firm can help review your case. Here are some steps for making a claim.
Get as much information as possible from the scene of the accident: Exchange relevant information with the driver at fault. The information should include the names, contact information, and insurance information. It is also important to get contacts of anyone else who witnessed the accident.
Get a police report: It is important not to leave the scene before the police arrive and write a report. The report cites the cause of the accident, such as failure to yield the right of way, excess speeding, and so forth. There is also a notation for the weather conditions.
Report to the insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company. Your insurance company is the one that works with the other insurance company. In the report, include the names and contacts of the parties involved in the accident, the date, and location of the accident, information of the vehicles involved, among other information. You will also be required to make a sworn statement detailing the cause of the crash and injuries received. Consult Attkisson Law Firm, personal injury attorneys, before giving statements, as anything you say can potentially be used against you. The attorneys will assist in presenting the right information.
Keep all the records intact: Keep track of all the documents related to the accidents and the injuries sustained. Include hospital records, the police accident report, medical receipts, bills on the repair of your motorcycle, and any other expenses. These documents will be needed when making an estimate of the amount of compensation to be paid out.
Negotiate for a favorable settlement: After the evaluation of the accident, the insurance company of the party at fault may decide to make a settlement or deny your claim. Experienced motorcycle accident lawyers can effectively negotiate a favorable settlement in a case where the company makes an offer or defend you if your claim is rejected and a lawsuit is filed against you.