Motorcycle accidents happen, even though you take extra precautions on the road—it just can’t be avoided. That’s why it’s crucial to be extremely prepared. In this blog, we will discuss everything you can do to minimize injury and avoid legal trouble after a motorcycle accident.
1. Secure Yourself to Safety — Leave the Bike!
We couldn’t stress how many motorcycle riders check on their bike first before they get to safety, and we understand. As motorcycle riders ourselves, we consider our bikes as our “prized possessions.” Many even try to check on, move, or even retrieve the pieces of their motorcycle.
However, this is entirely a bad idea! You should avoid staying at the crash location as this might do more harm than good. You can exacerbate your injuries or even compromise evidence if you don’t get to safety.
2. Always Keep Your Gear On.
Most motorcycle riders think they have to remove their gears after an accident, but this isn’t the best thing to do! Keep your gears on since making any sudden changes can cause dangerous head, neck, or spine damage.
The best thing to do is limit your movement and rest in a neutral, relaxed position until emergency services arrive.
3. Call for Help
After a motorcycle accident, you need to call emergency services immediately. Many freeze in situations like this, but be sure to remember this step! It’s crucial to get help ASAP.
A proactive measure would be to include an emergency contact information card while riding your motorcycle. This is extremely beneficial in case you remain unconscious while in an accident.
4. Check-in with Yourself
After a motorcycle accident, you might be in physical or emotional shock. It’s better to assess yourself—are you experiencing severe injuries? Do you feel numb or emotional distress? By doing so, you can properly communicate the information to the medical personnel when they arrive. This can also help them to understand the extent of your injuries for a better and more effective treatment plan.
5. Gather Evidence
It’s essential to gather as much evidence about the incident for legal and insurance purposes. However, you don’t have to do this on your own. You can ask someone to use your phone and take videos and photos of the scene—capture everything from your motorcycle and the vehicle that collided with you. Evidence like skid marks or even obstructions will be used to supplement your claims.
Aside from that, you can also ask for video recordings from nearby vehicles or even install a camera system on your motorcycle to document your ride.
6. Seek Legal Support
When you want to maximize your claims or compensation, avoid talking to insurance adjusters. Following an accident, the insurance agent of the at-fault party handles personal injury claims daily. They may be persuasive while negotiating a lesser amount of salary. Insurance firms are excellent at convincing people to choose the first offer they get. As a result, you should consult with a lawyer. In most cases, your legal support will communicate on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions on Motorcycle Accidents
Question: I did not wear a helmet in the accident. Can I still sue the driver who caused the accident?
Answer: Yes. You may think that not wearing your helmet will forfeit you from filing for claims, but you can actually sue for damages against the driver at fault.
However, your failure to wear a helmet will merit reduced claims, especially if you suffered a head or facial injury that could have been prevented if you had worn a helmet.
Question: The at-fault driver was uninsured. What insurance can I pursue?
Answer: This can be tricky, but it doesn’t mean you don’t get the compensation you deserve. Have your personal injury lawyer investigate the driver who hit you. They might be able to build a strong case.
On the other hand, if you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your motorcycle insurance policy, you can pursue claims under that provision.
Question: How long do I have to file a motorcycle accident injury claim?
Answer: In California, the statute of limitations to file for a motorcycle accident injury claim is two years from the date of the incident.
However, the time it takes to settle such a claim would roughly take from six months to a year. Most cases are resolved within months unless certain factors complicate the case and you end up going to court.
Question: How do I know how much my motorcycle accident is worth?
Answer: There’s no exact formula for how much your case is worth. There are several factors to consider, such as liability, the severity of your injuries, billed medical expenses, income loss, and even impact on your quality of life.
A good personal injury lawyer can help you estimate an ideal settlement value by considering all the factors. However, you should keep in mind that these figures are decided upon juries in case it reaches the court.
Need Legal Help? Talk to Us!
Were you injured as a result of a San Francisco motorcycle accident? Worried about how your accident will impact your life? Get the compensation you truly deserve with our help. Here at The Cartwright Law Firm, Inc., we go above and beyond as a highly respected personal injury law firm in California. Let us handle all your concerns and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our team of experts is ready to put our resources and knowledge to help you win your case. So, talk to us today! We represent clients throughout the Bay Area, including North Bay, Vacaville, Oakland, San Mateo, Santa Rosa, San Jose, Fremont, Pacifica, Daly City, or anywhere in Northern California. Our fees are charged as a percentage of any compensation awarded to our clients, and you pay nothing if we fail to win your case. Call us at (415) 851-6486 or send us a message today.
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