Motorcycle Accidents – What You Must Know

Motorcycles are a lot of fun, it feels great riding down the highway with the wind rushing across your body. But as you might expect, riding a motorcycle can also be quite dangerous at times. Aside from your helmet, leathers, and any other protective gear you might have, your bike will not offer a lot of protection in the event of a collision with another road user. This means that often with motorcycle accidents you can end up with quite severe injuries. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident you may be asking what your options are. Below are some good rules of practice for if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident.

What Should I Do When I Am Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?

If it is feasible you should aim to get the other driver’s insurance information. You should also report the accident to the police and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Seeking medical attention is important for documenting your injuries.

You should then contact a lawyer to explore your legal options for seeking compensation. The lawyers at James H. Brown & Associates have a wealth of experience when it comes to motorcycle accidents, we have the knowledge and the compassion to assist you with what can potentially be a life-altering experience. We are eager to help and ensure you can get access to the compensation you are entitled to for your injuries.

If the other driver’s insurer attempts to contact you in the coming days you should not speak to them. In the event that the other driver has the same insurer as you, you should ensure you are speaking to the adjusters for your policy only, in particular, it is important to avoid speaking to a bodily injury adjuster.

Regardless of if the other driver’s insurer attempts to contact you, you should reach out to your insurer as soon as possible to ensure that you can get access to treatments under the accident benefits portion of your insurance policy.

What Sort of Things Can Affect My Claim?

Essentially any action by yourself that affects or contributes to the extent of your injuries can result in a deduction to your claim. In a context where you are operating a motorcycle this might include for example: travelling at an excessive rate of speed, failure to wear a helmet, or distracted driving. This is why it is important to operate your motorcycle within the confines of the law and to always remember that your failure to act in a prudent manner can affect not only your well-being but any compensation you might be entitled to in the event of an accident.

It is also important for your claim that you seek out the treatments recommended by your medical provider. Failure to procure adequate treatment may likewise result in a deduction to your claim.

That said even in the face of such deduction compensation can still be quite significant depending on the circumstances. You should not take this to mean that if you failed to act appropriately that you should not consider bringing a claim. On the contrary, a claim can be very important in ensuring that you have access to the resources you need to take care of yourself in the future. This is especially important where your injuries may affect your ability to work going forward.

What If I Am On a Motorcycle as a Passenger With Someone Else?

In the event you are injured as a passenger on a motorcycle, if you are riding properly you generally will be entitled to some degree of compensation. The biggest questions will be how much and where will it come from. The amount you will be entitled to will, like all personal injury claims, vary on the medical evidence and the extent of your injuries. Whose insurer will be on the hook will vary dependent on the facts. You may sue the motorcycle operator or the driver of another vehicle (if another vehicle is involved) or both.

It is notable however that the Use of the Highway and Rules of the Road Regulation indicates that passengers are only permitted to ride on a motorcycle where it has a seat equipped to handle a passenger and the passenger has their feet on passenger footrests. This means that failure to abide by this may result in an adverse effect on any compensation that you may otherwise be entitled to.

Have You or Your Loved One Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?

If you or your loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, we want to hear from you! The Heavy Hitters of injury law at James H. Brown & Associates have decades of experience with motorcycle accident injury claims and are eager to serve you in attaining the justice that you deserve. Our lawyers are ready to work tirelessly to ensure that you can access the compensation necessary to take care of yourself and your loved ones when you have been stricken with serious injuries. We work on a contingency basis meaning we do not get paid until your case settles, and we operate on a guarantee that if we do not recover you anything you owe us absolutely nothing. Contact us today for your free consultation!