Preventing and Managing Motorcycle Accidents with James H. Brown

All motorcycle accidents are serious accidents. Because of the vehicle’s nature and the speed at which they occur, they often result in serious injury. If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious motorcycle accident, it can be overwhelming to decide what to do next.

James H. Brown and Associates are here to help. With over 200 years’ experience advocating for serious injury victims, we are here to protect our clients’ rights and support them through every step of seeking compensation and attaining justice. Read on to learn more about how you can prevent motorcycle accidents, the steps you should take after an accident, and how James H. Brown and Associates can help you attain justice for you and your family.

Doing Your Part to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists have the same rights as any driver on the road. Just like any other driver, they also have a responsibility to ensure that they operate their vehicle safely while obeying all laws and regulations. Here are a few things motorcyclists can do to prevent accidents:

Ensure you have an up-to-date Class 6 Driver’s License for operating motorcycles.
Ensure your motorcycle is insured and registered.
Do not lend your bike to anyone under 16, or anyone without a Class 6 License.
Only carry the number of passengers your motorcycle was designed to carry.
Never ride a motorcycle after drinking alcohol or using drugs. Talk to your doctor to find out if any medications you are taking may affect your ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Wear an approved motorcycle helmet and proper protective clothing whenever you are riding your bike.
Consider adding reflective strips to your motorcycle to increase visibility at night.
Wear earplugs to avoid ear fatigue and prevent hearing damage.

These measures will go a long way toward preventing motorcycle accidents and avoiding serious injury. However, poor road and weather conditions and reckless drivers make some accidents unavoidable. With that in mind, what should you do if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident?

1. Seek Medical Attention

Your health is more important than anything; it is absolutely critical to get medical treatment for your injuries as soon as possible after an accident.

Even if your injuries appear relatively “minor,” it is still important to see a doctor or healthcare provider as quickly as possible. There are several reasons for this: First and foremost, even if you are not in severe pain, you may still have suffered an injury that requires immediate medical treatment or will worsen over time. Second, insurance companies have often claimed that if an individual didn’t take an ambulance or immediately seek treatment, their injuries couldn’t have been that severe. At worst, they may try to claim that your injuries are completely made-up; don’t give them the opportunity to make this argument.

While receiving medical attention, be sure to describe your injuries in detail. Your healthcare provider will be documenting your injuries in their records, which will be used later to evaluate your injury claims. No detail is too minor to leave out; even a seemingly minor injury can worsen over time. The more documentation available on your injuries, the easier it will be to prove the accident caused them.

Finally, make sure you receive any relevant diagnostic tests during your treatment. X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and other tests will allow your doctor to diagnose and document your injuries thoroughly. Again, the sooner your injuries are diagnosed, the easier it is to prove they were caused by the accident.

2. Document Everything

Just as your healthcare provider will document your physical injuries, you should also note any other damages you may have suffered.

What qualifies as “damages?” It can be anything from the damage to your bike, lost days of work, out-of-pocket expenses, and more. Serious accidents can take a long time to be resolved; instead of relying on memory, be sure to save receipts and keep a journal, including any changes or expenses resulting from the accident. No detail is too minor; the more information you have, the stronger your case will be, and the more likely you are to receive the compensation you deserve.

3. Speak With an Experienced Injury Lawyer

As soon as an insurance company finds out you were in an accident, their agents will likely try to contact you and obtain a statement. While you can notify insurance companies that an accident has occurred, never give an insurance company (even your own) a statement without speaking with a lawyer first. When you seek compensation for your injuries later, the company will look for information in your statement they can use against you.

Instead, contact an injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Whereas an insurance company has an obligation to its shareholders to make a profit (and payout as little as possible), an injury lawyer has a responsibility to you and your family to give the best advice possible. Coming to a team of experienced attorneys with a well-documented case is the best way to ensure you receive justice and the compensation you deserve after an accident.

James H. Brown and Associates: YOUR Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyers

James H. Brown and Associates have over 200 years’ combined experience advocating for victims of car accidents. Our team of experienced injury lawyers know firsthand what it’s like to be seriously injured in an accident, are ready to fight for the compensation you and your family deserve.

No two accidents are the same; that’s why we offer a complete range of services for our clients, including:

An experienced team of injury lawyers with a proven record of success.
Investigation and evidence preservation services, including accident reconstruction.
Strong relationships with organizations ready to assist with rehabilitation and recovery.
And much more!