Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycles are less visible to others on the road, less stable than four-wheel vehicles, and involve a different set of skills from what drivers use to operate a car, as a lawyer such as a motorcycle accident lawyer from a law firm like Yearin Law Office, can explain. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle fatalities occurred nearly 29 times more often than car occupant fatalities per mile traveled in 2019. Given that motorcycle accident injuries may be serious, it is very important to follow some key steps carefully and to seek extra help if necessary.
Report the Accident, Injuries, and Damages
In any crash that involves injuries, those who are involved should report the accident to the police with an emergency call. Police will assist with getting the necessary emergency services like ambulances and EMTs to the scene of the accident. It is vital that you report all personal injuries and all symptoms to the police and all emergency personnel, no matter how minor these might seem to you. The documentation of your injuries will be an important aspect of any insurance claim. Continue to report and document any long-term symptoms that may be related to the accident.
The police will take a report at the scene of the accident, and that report should document names and contact information of other drivers and witnesses, as well as the insurance information for other parties involved in the accident. You are entitled to a copy of this police report, and your insurance company will use it as the claims process begins. If possible, you should also take pictures of the accident and damages at the scene.
File a Claim
The process of filing a motorcycle accident claim will proceed much like a passenger injury claim in an automobile accident. Your first step is to contact your insurer and report the details of the accident, including the police report, as soon as possible. It is possible that a second driver might be involved in a motorcycle accident even if there is no direct collision between the vehicles—for instance, if a car cuts off the motorcycle in traffic. If there is any possibility that the accident occurred due to a defect or problem with the motorcycle, it is crucial that you speak with an experienced liability attorney before any repairs to the motorcycle, as these repairs will likely destroy evidence of any defects.
If the accident occurred in one of the no-fault auto insurance states, you will also need to file a Personal Injury Protection or No-Fault claim that will assist with medical bills and any lost earnings. You should seek the help of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer for any questions or obstacles you encounter in the claims process.