While you love to get out on the highway to ride your motorcycle, you also realize doing so is actually quite dangerous, even if you are very safety-conscious. In fact, based on statistics compiled over the past several years, motorcycle riders are four times more likely to be seriously injured and a staggering 28 times more likely to die in a crash than people driving cars, trucks, or other vehicles. Should you find yourself seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, here are some of the best legal strategies that may help you win your case.
Hire an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney
It is extremely important to build a strong legal case following your motorcycle accident. To do so, begin by hiring an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to handle your case. Since these cases are often very complex and insurance companies pull out all the stops to prevent injured motorcyclists from winning their lawsuits, hiring an experienced attorney who handles these cases regularly will increase your odds of winning the case.
Gather Evidence and Witness Statements
Immediately following your accident, gather as much evidence as possible to help build your case. This should include photos and videos of the accident scene and should always include your damaged motorcycle, the motor vehicle that struck you, skid marks that may be on the road, nearby stop lights and road signs, and anything that may have obstructed your view or that of the driver who struck your bike. While doing this, also gather witness statements and contact information from those who observed your accident. This will be crucial, since even the slightest detail may help your lawyer win your case.
Get Medical Attention
Always allow yourself to be treated for any potential injuries at the accident scene and to be transported to a hospital for further evaluation. This will allow you to have any and all of your injuries properly documented by doctors, which will help to prevent an insurance company from claiming you were not seriously injured in the accident. This will also let your attorney call doctors to the stand to testify on your behalf during a trial, which may help sway a jury in your favor.
Avoid Social Media
While you are recovering from your injuries, your attorney will likely advise you to avoid social media. After accidents such as these, insurance companies often monitor social media activity of victims to see if they can find anything to use against them in court. Should you post photos or comments online, the insurance company may try to use these to claim you are faking your injuries or were speeding, distracted, or at fault in some other way for the accident.
By seeking a free consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney following your accident, you can describe your accident in great detail, find out if you have a viable case, and learn about what steps need to be taken next. By working closely with your attorney, you may come away with substantial compensation to help pay your medical bills and cover your lost income.
