Are you a Motorcycle Accident Victim?
Motorcycle accidents cause thousands of fatalities and injuries every year. This is mainly in Alaska, according to authorities. Studies shows that a person riding a motorcycle is more likely to have a fatality compared to a passenger in a vehicle. Most of the motorcycle drivers take the necessary precautions to avoid accidents, but too often it’s the mistakes of the other driver that leads to fatalities or injuries. But even when a motorcycle has followed all precautions, there is no way to completely remove all the risks associated with motorcycling. But why do motorcycle victims get injured at such a high rate? The answer could be because of the following reasons:
- Drivers not being familiar with routes
- Speeding
- Drug use
- Sudden stops
- Unsafe lane changes
- Lane splitting
- Left turn accidents
- Limited personal protection compared to a vehicle, e.g. no airbags or seatbelts.
- Cars drivers don’t watch out for motorcycles as they do for other vehicles.
- Failure to obey traffic law
If you have been injured or know a loved who has suffered injuries, don’t be scared, talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer who will help you demand what is rightfully yours.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident
What you do after a motorcycle accident could be a great contributor to the success of your case. The common misconception among motorcycle riders is that they are irresponsible and reckless. Many assume that it’s the fault of the cyclist. This may not be the truth. You may have followed the best practices needed for a motorcycle ride. But the accident happened. An Alaska motorcycle accident lawyer understands how disastrous motorcycles accidents are. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, the only thing you are supposed to focus on is your health. You can be assured that a good motorcycle lawyer will be on your side. When an accident happens, you need to follow some steps to ensure you can seek fair compensation. They include:
1. Seeking medical attention for injuries: Your health is the priority. You may have suffered injuries such as neck pain, back pain or soreness. Most of these injuries don’t show up immediately, so it’s advisable to seek a medical professional to give you a report clear from injuries.
2. If in a position, obtain witnesses information:You can even take pictures on the scene, this includes the damaged motorcycle. The most important information is where, when and how the accident happened. You can also get the names and addresses of every driver involved. Make sure to keep the notes organized. Due to anxiety, you may find yourself mixing up information. You can also take witnesses information. Eyewitnesses have their part in any legal matter. If possible, you can interview any person who was near when the accident happened.
3. Inform the police: The police report is vital in helping you recover from damages such as medical expenses or the bike damage. The police keep their records, and your attorney can use them to collect the necessary information for making a claim.
4. Don’t admit fault:This is the worst thing you can do. It’s part of human nature to say sorry, especially when you bump into each other. If you’re involved in an accident, either a car or a motorcycle accident, try not to apologize to the other party. This may have a severe consequence when it comes to settling negotiations later.
5. Alert your motorcycle accident lawyer:After obtaining the above information, you can proceed to talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer. Make sure not to give any information to an insurance company. They can use that to minimize your damages recovery during settlement negotiations.
Preventable measures
Though motorcycle accidents are inevitable, there are some motorcycle safety tips you can take to be safer. They include:
- Be visible to other driver-You can wear reflective jackets or keep your headlights on when necessary.
- Be trained- Ensure to have the right training needed to ride a motorcycle.
- Wear the right gear- This includes, appropriate footwear, gloves or leg guards. These reduce the risk of a traumatic head injury or even death, especially the helmet.
- Ride soberly- Never ride a motorcycle on the influence of drugs or alcohol. This may lead to over speeding or miscalculation in the event of an accident happening.
Let’s face it; motorcycle injuries can be costly. A motorcycle accident lawyer is needed to help you get financial assistance before your case is settled. On the other hand, you also need to recover payments for lost wages, medical bills or living expenses. He/she will help you recover all these damages. The sooner you take action, the better a lawyer can be able to protect your rights. They are always willing to offer free initial consolation.
