An Overview of Motorcycle Accidents
While the average motor vehicle accident is certainly difficult, motorcycle crashes can be far more devastating, and more often than not can result in injury or death. Motorcyclists’ high speeds and lack of protection from road conditions are certainly factors, but the negligence of others on the road can also lead to motorcycle accidents.
If you or a loved one was recently in a collision involving a motorcycle, don’t delay in finding an attorney who can help you file a personal injury claim. It is not uncommon for these attorneys to see the severe effects of motorcycle accidents. Because of this, they are usually experienced in helping their clients recover what they’ve lost in those collisions.
Why Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur?
Like most all collisions, motorcycle accidents are preventable. What are the most common factors that make them happen, then? When you speak with a personal injury attorney about your accident, you will likely find that the following tend to lead to motorcycle crashes:
- Driver misjudgment and error. All too often, drivers fail to see motorcyclists until it is too late, and they end up colliding with them. Sometimes it is because they are simply not looking for motorcycles on the road; other times, it is due to distracted or inattentive driving, or because a motorcyclist is in a blind spot.
- Defective equipment. Manufacturing errors in vehicles can slip by unnoticed, leading to motorcycles failing to operate as they should. If your accident was caused by defective equipment and thereby could have been avoided, that is cause to look into pursuing a claim.
- Dangerous or poor road conditions. Even with the mechanisms motorcycles have to deal with dangerous conditions, it’s still the case that poorly maintained or ill-designed roads can cause accidents and injuries.
If You’ve Been in a Motorcycle Accident
Most lawyers will tell their clients who have been in motorcycle accidents that their health and safety is their first priority. Once you’ve removed yourself from the danger of the accident scene and made sure to receive medical care, you will be in a better position to take the next necessary steps for filing a claim and pursuing damages.
Specifically, you should:
- Make sure the accident has been reported. While it is possible that a police report will have been completed, get in touch with the police office to report the crash just in case. That way, all of the details and facts will be recorded, as well as the parties involved and any witnesses.
- Keep records of the accident. This includes not only the police report, but also your medical records, paperwork from your insurance company, and your personal account of the accident.
- Get in touch with an attorney. By undergoing an investigation of what happened, a motorcycle accident attorney can help you build a case that could lead to you recovering the damages you’ve lost, including medical bills, pain and suffering, and wage or income loss.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle collision, the injuries that can ensue are no small matter, and the financial compensation that you may receive could be significant in helping you recover. When you’re ready to pursue the damages you deserve, call a skilled motorbike accident lawyer residents trust.