It doesn’t matter whether you are new to motorcycle riding or whether you have been riding your bike for quite some time now; you are at a higher risk of suffering from serious injuries if you get into an accident.
On the road, motorcyclists are harder to see when compared to cars and eighteen-wheelers. It wouldn’t be wrong to state that motorcyclists are more or less at the mercy of other car drivers. On that note, the question is what to do if you get injured in an accident when it isn’t your fault.
Understanding the Gravity of Motorcycle Accidents
Any motorcyclist who collides with a car or a truck can become the victim of a catastrophic crash. In less severe cases, the motorcyclist can suffer from concussion and minor injuries if they tumble. A majority of motorcycle accidents end in severe injuries or deaths.
Mostly, survivors of motorcycle accidents can suffer from severe PTSD, including flashbacks, nightmares, excessive drinking, and aggression.
What To Do Right After A Motorcycle Crash?
As a motorcyclist, you should have a contingency plan in your mind that you can act upon if you get into an accident. Suppose you get into an accident; it is in your best interest to get yourself out of the middle of the road so that you don’t further endanger yourself.
The reason why you should do this is that the incoming drivers might unintentionally start to steer their cars towards you as they might fixate on your motorcycle or you. So, get yourself off the road as soon as possible.
Don’t Remove Your Protective Gear Immediately
If you have been in an accident, you must consider keeping your protective gear on. Understandably, you might want to take off your helmet instinctively – however – it might be in your best interest not to do so. Wait for the ambulance to arrive so that you have professional help while removing your helmet.
If you have been injured, removing the helmet with a jolt might cause more injury, which is what you must avoid at all costs.
Wait for Help to Arrive
The next thing to do is to wait for the police and ambulance to arrive. You need a copy of the police report as you will be referring to the police report later as your evidence. The paramedics can also ensure that you are okay and give you the medical attention you need on the scene.
Collect Evidence
After calming yourself from the initial shock, it is time to collect evidence and prepare for the case ahead. If possible, exchange details of all involved drivers. It would also help in taking pictures or making videos of the accident site as well as the damage done to all vehicles.
Also, take pictures of any skid marks, road signs, and the position of the sun.
Be Absolutely Honest
Be absolutely honest when answering the police questions. Stick to the facts as you know and experiences while giving objective answers. If you are in a state of shock, let the police know. Getting in an accident can be quite an overwhelming experience – however – it is in your best interest to remain calm and objective.
Call A Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The next logical thing to do is to call a motorcycle accident attorney, such as the Huntsville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, if you are a resident of Huntsville yourself. You shouldn’t delay calling an attorney if you have been seriously injured as a result of the accident.
It is important to mention here that you might not know the extent of your injuries immediately after the crash, which is why you must seek medical attention, keep following up with the doctor, and journal your injuries, pain, and suffering.
The motorcycle accident lawyer will protect your rights and create a settlement opportunity letter to help you get the most out of your injuries. The lawyer will also collect evidence, talk to witnesses, and negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company while advocating your best interests.
When Can You Lose Your Motorcycle Settlement Case
While the motorcycle accident attorney will help you prove your personal injury claim, there are some ways you can lose your motorcycle settlement case.
The At-Fault Party Does Not Have Liability Insurance Coverage
One way to lose your motorcycle accident claim is when the at-fault driver doesn’t have bodily injury liability insurance coverage. This is the coverage type that pays for your pain, suffering, and medical bills that you paid yourself and your lost wages.
Your state might not require vehicles to have any bodily injury liability insurance. On that note, if you are badly injured in a motorcycle accident and another driver is at fault – your best-case scenario is that you were hit by a truck or a corporate vehicle.
You also have a chance of getting coverage if an Uber or Lyft hits you while they are engaged in a ride. The thing is that in all of the mentioned examples, there will be enough bodily injury liability insurance to pay for your medical injuries.
If You Are Hit by A Truck
A truck, which can be an eighteen-wheeler, typically has a minimum of seven hundred fifty thousand dollars of physical injury liability coverage.
If You Are Hit by Uber
If the driver of Uber or Lyft has accepted their ride request and is on the way to get a ride through drop-off, there is one million dollars in liability coverage. You should know that just because you are hit by a vehicle that is owned by a commercial company, it doesn’t automatically mean that there will be physical injury liability coverage.
There are companies that only have ten thousand physical injury liability coverage.
Leverage Uninsured Motorist Insurance
If the at-fault driver who hit you doesn’t have enough physical injury liability insurance for your injuries and medical bills, you will have to look for your own uninsured motorist insurance on the motorcycle. The thing is that uninsured motorist insurance is designed to pay you for pain and suffering as well as lost wages if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance.
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