Motorcycle Accident Advice
What You Need to Know About Motorcycle Accidents
A motorcycle accident can be a very traumatizing and painful experience. In fact, motorcycle accidents are some of the most serious types of accidents as they often result in severe injuries and an increased number of deaths. The chances of survival for the rider are greatly reduced if the crash happens at a high speed. This is mainly because, unlike cars, motorcycles offer very little protection for riders. Occupants of the car involved in a crash will often come out unscathed while the motorcycle rider may be killed on the spot.
Establishing negligence after a motorcycle accident can be a complex process which is why it is very important to retain the services of a personal injury attorney. If you, as the rider, were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, then a personal injury attorney will help clear you of any fault and ensure that you are fully compensated for your damages and losses. Also, if you lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, it is imperative to contact an attorney to ensure you get the justice you deserve.
Common Types of Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident
Broken Bones: Fractured bones are very common in road accidents. This is especially so in motorcycle accidents. Fortunately, most broken bones usually heal in a month or two without any major complications after treatment.
Head and Brain Injury: In a motorcycle accident, there is a high risk of the rider sustaining head injuries. Even a low-speed collision is enough to cause a serious head injury. This is why it is very important to always wear a helmet. Studies have shown that it reduces the chances of head and brain injuries by 70%. Depending on the impact of the collision, even with a helmet, you may sustain traumatic brain injuries which are among the most serious types of injuries. The risk increases tenfold when you don’t wear a helmet. These injuries usually affect one’s cognitive, physical, and even emotional abilities.
Whiplash: Sudden acceleration and deceleration cause the rapid movement of a person’s neck resulting in whiplash.
Spinal Cord Injury: The spinal cord is one of the most important parts of your body but it is also one of the most delicate. If your spinal cord suffers any damage, it can result in partial or permanent paralysis.
Other types of common injuries include broken neck, soft tissue injuries, amputations among others.
What Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident?
After being in a motorcycle accident, there are various things that you need to do and to avoid in order to safeguard your rights and ensure you get the necessary assistance.
Seek Medical Help
Your health and well-being should always be your top priority no matter what. Hence, ensure that you get the necessary medical treatment after an accident. You should be thoroughly examined by a medical professional even if you don’t have any noticeable injuries as this can potentially save your life. Also, your medical reports will provide crucial evidence in proving the extent of your damages.
Contact the Police
It is imperative to call the police immediately after being involved in a motorcycle accident. When filing a claim, you will need to prove how the accident happened and a police report will provide the necessary evidence that you need.
Don’t Admit Fault or Apologize
In an accident, even if the circumstances surrounding the accident are unclear, you should never give even the slightest hint that you are in any way at fault. This can seriously affect your case. Hence, you should never apologize or give out more information than required.
Collect Evidence
When filing your claim, you will need as much information as possible to support your case. Hence, while still at the scene, you will need to take photos and videos of the scene, note down in detail your account, and collect names and contact information of any available witnesses.
Contact the Insurance Company
You will need to inform the insurance company of the incident and your intention to file a claim. It is important to have an attorney at this stage as your attorney will help to avoid any chances of you saying something that may jeopardize your claim.
Get in Touch With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer As Early As Possible
You should always keep in mind that insurance companies are businesses and they rarely have your best interests at heart. Their main aim is to pay the least amount of compensation or have to pay none at all in order to protect their bottom line. They will have a team of expert lawyers dedicated to discrediting your claim. You have minimal chances of getting fair compensation when you don’t have a lawyer. An attorney will help protect your rights, help you collect the necessary evidence to support your case, and fight hard to ensure you are fully compensated.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Motorcycle Accident?
After establishing the full extent of your injuries and losses, your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company and demand full compensation. They will also include other damages you might not have been aware that you are entitled to. If the insurance company fails to comply, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial and fight for your rights. The following are some of the damages you can recover:
- Past, present, and future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
It is worth noting that most professional personal injury attorneys charge their fees on a contingency basis. This means that you only have to pay after they’ve successfully secured fair compensation for you. A certain percentage is deducted from your compensation. Therefore, you have nothing to lose but a lot more to gain when you hire a lawyer.
Little, Oliver and Gallagher PLLC personal injury attorneys are here to help guide you through your motorcycle accident case. Contact us today in Oklahoma City 405-253-4478 or our main office in Ardmore 580-798-0447.