Many people use motorcycles for their primary mode of transportation or even just for leisure. For transportation, a motorcycle provides the rider the quickest way to get to his destination. On the other hand, riders feel a sense of thrill and an adrenaline rush when they use motorcycles for recreation and relaxation.
In a survey conducted by the Motorcycle Industry Council, there are more than 12 million active motorcycle riders in the United States in 2018. The industry also saw an increasing trend of motorcycle ownership among the millennial generation. While motorcycles have less risks of crashing compared to larger vehicles, they are still vulnerable to accidents due to harsh weather and road conditions because of their build. According to a report by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 89,000 motorcyclists injured in collisions in 2017.
Getting into an accident is terrifying but a rider can seek legal help in order to receive full compensation for any losses he might incur or settle disputes with others involved in the accident.
Things You Should Do After a Motorcycle Accident
In the event that you find yourself getting into a motorcycle accident in the future, the following steps should be taken:
- Check yourself for injuries. The first thing you need to do is to check yourself for injuries and if others are also injured from the accident. If someone is hurt, immediately call 911.
- Take photos and videos of the scene. After making sure that everyone is safe, document the scene by taking photos and videos. Aside from the accident scene, take photos of the damages to your motorcycle, the surrounding environment, weather, road condition, and the other vehicles involved. This will help in presenting evidence for insurance or during a court case. If you had a camera on your bike, body or helmet, the footage captured can also be helpful.
- Move your motorcycle aside. Determine if the scene is safe and move your motorcycle to the side to avoid another accident or injury to other vehicles on the road.
- Gather as much information as possible. If a police officer arrives at the scene, they need to file an official report so you will need to provide important details. Make sure to obtain the following information:
- Contact information such as the names and phone numbers of involved parties and witnesses
- Vehicle information of involved vehicles such as the make and model of vehicles, license plates, and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Name of the police officer and his badge number
- Police report number
- Insurance company and contact number of all involved vehicles
- Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help you fight for your rights, claim insurance, and obtain rightful compensation for any damages or losses you incurred from the accident. Below are some examples of damages you can receive:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Emotional distress
- Permanent injuries and disabilities
- Cost of rehabilitative therapy
Why you need a motorcycle accident lawyer
After the accident, it might be intimidating to face legal issues and prove liability. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer by your side will definitely be an advantage. TorkLaw attorneys have an impressive record for helping injured clients to claim maximum compensation for losses and damages due to motorcycle accidents. Contact us today for a free and comprehensive consultation by one of our resourceful and knowledgeable lawyers.