Riding on a motorcycle can give you an instant feeling of exhilaration and freedom. Unfortunately, motorcycles also carry a much greater risk of injuries and fatalities when they’re involved in accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,985 motorcyclists were killed in the United States in 2018. Tens of thousands more are injured each year. If you enjoy riding motorcycles, review our tips for handling a motorcycle accident to ensure you know what to do in case of an emergency.
Tips for Handling a Motorcycle Accident
Remain at the scene and gather information.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you must stay at the scene and notify law enforcement. Check yourself and others for injuries and provide first aid to anyone who is injured. If you can, photograph the damage to your motorcycle and any other involved vehicles. Write down the model, make, and color of the other vehicle, and exchange information with the other driver. Make sure to get the motorist’s name, contact information, insurance information, and registration information. When possible, collect the names and contact details of anyone who witnessed your accident. Once law enforcement arrives, tell them what happened but do not accept any blame.
Get a medical examination.
Even if you aren’t certain that you’ve been injured, you should see your doctor for a medical examination after a motorcycle accident. After all, some serious injuries may not show immediate symptoms. Visiting your doctor soon after the accident can help you discover any injuries you may have suffered and can also demonstrate a link between the motorcycle accident and your injuries. Make sure to keep your appointments with your health care professionals and follow all of their advice and recommendations, as this could affect any legal action you take regarding your injuries.
Report your motorcycle accident to your insurance company.
Massachusetts is a modified no-fault state for accidents. This means that you will report your accident to your insurance company, who will pay for your injuries up to your policy limits for bodily injury. When you report the collision, your insurance company will ask you questions about the details of your case. Do not admit fault, but be honest with the information that you provide. If the other driver was more than 50 percent at fault, his or her insurance company will be responsible for non-monetary damages and any treatment costs that exceed your policy limits.
Do not talk to representatives from the other driver’s insurance company.
You will likely be contacted by the other driver’s insurance company. Remember that the representative will want to gather information from you that the insurance company can use against you in your claim. Do not agree to give a statement about your accident to the other driver’s insurance company until you have consulted an attorney. In addition, do not agree to sign anything that the other driver’s insurance company might send to you. Politely explain that you want to consult with an attorney before making any decisions.
Gather any relevant documents.
Next, gather all of the relevant documents about your accident. This includes photographs that you took at the scene, information about the other driver and his or her vehicle, medical reports from your treatment, diagnostic information, police reports, and wage statements documenting income losses at your job. Your attorney will need to review these documents, so you will want to bring them with you to your consultation.
Contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer at Ellis & Associates.
By following these tips for handling a motorcycle accident, you can strengthen your potential claim. Once you have received medical help and gathered all of your information, contact an experienced attorney who understands motorcycle accident claims. If you live in or near Worcester, Massachusetts, call Ellis & Associates. Our attorneys will help you fight for the compensation you deserve to fully heal from your injuries. We will be on your side every step of the way, working hard to hold the negligent party responsible. To schedule your free consultation, give us a call today at 800-MR-ELLIS.