Motorcycles offer riders a unique experience on the road with their agility and speed. However, safety is always a concern for riders, especially when it comes to accidents. The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. This is why it’s vital for every rider to understand the legal nuances surrounding motorcycle accidents.
A personal injury lawyer can help accident victims seek justice and obtain fair compensation. This article outlines valuable legal insights for both riders and drivers who have been involved in or who may experience an accident involving motorcycles.
Causes of Motorcycle Accidents:
According to research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 80% of all reported motorcycle crashes result in severe injuries or fatalities. While there are several causes of motorcycle accidents, like bad weather conditions or poor road conditions, they most often occur from drivers’ failure to see or yield the right-of-way to bikers.
Below outlined are some common causes of motorcycle accidents where liability lies with the driver:
– Distracted Driving – A driver distracted while texting or talking on the phone increases risks.
– Failing To Check Blind Spots – Failure by motorists to check blind spots before merging.
– Lane Splitting – Illegal maneuvering performed by motorcyclists between lanes which can lead to sideswipes.
– Running Red Lights – Many drivers violate traffic signals instead of following them and stopping at red lights.
– DUI/Drunk Driving – Alcohol adversely affects driving skills leading to tragic mishaps.
– Speeding – Motorists considerably exceeding speed limits cause significant damages in case there is an unavoidable collision.
Legal Assistance Following A Motorcycle Accident:
In case you’re involved in an accident as either a rider or driver, you must seek medical attention immediately, followed by professional legal assistance. You could consider hiring an experienced personal injury attorney skilled in handling cases concerning motor vehicle collisions resulting from negligence. The lawyers’ secure evidence to ensure clients get deserved compensation covering all economic losses incurred, including medical bills, lost income from work, and any impairment to the quality of life caused by a disability.
Apart from hiring an attorney after the accident, it’s advisable to follow these best practices:
Record & Preserve Evidence – This includes pictures of the accident scene noting the presence of witnesses’ contacts.
Contact Witnesses – Collect detailed information about persons who were witnesses to the scenario when the accident occurred.
Don’t Talk About The Accident – Refrain from admitting any liability or talking with anyone other than law enforcement officers until speaking to experienced lawyers.
Understanding Insurance Laws & Coverage:
Navigating insurance policy coverage after a motorcycle accident requires understanding complexities pertaining to primary and secondary triggers as well as fault determination. Whether you’re at or not at fault for the crash, the first point of contact would always be your own insurer in case of medical payments/guest passenger injury if applicable. In case vehicles take on damages, it’s best to contact insurers covering at-fault motorists who could have policy limits that differ from state to state, anywhere between $25,000-$50,000 for single injuries rising up to nearly $200K in some jurisdictions where premiums are higher.
Injury Compensation Recovery:
Accidents can cause significant damage leading to physical implications making procuring compensation key. The severity and extent of your injuries and how they impact daily functioning impact claim value significantly. The types of awards one may seek for damages include recompenses:
– Medical expenses, including transportation costs.
– Loss of wages resulting from missed workdays or reduced earning capabilities due to long-term medical treatment requirements.
– Physical and emotional distresses expressed through pain and suffering.
Conclusion:
Motorcycle accidents can have long-lasting effects on riders, who may experience serious personal injury that can be life-changing. Navigating the legal complexities of these types of accidents may not be easy, which is why seeking legal support is paramount to securing deserved compensation. A personal injury lawyer could play various roles while representing clients. They can help insurers understand the legalities surrounding the injured party’s condition and ensure claims are paid on time.
Beyond hiring experienced lawyers and making evidence-based arguments in court, one could adopt exhibiting precautionary driving standards on the road and ensure proper risk mitigation plan execution by purchasing personal injury cover through a reputable insurance provider. By doing so, riders, as well as drivers, can promote safety on roads while using motorcycles for transport or leisure activities safely and responsibly.
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