Avoiding Accident-Related Lawsuits

Are you an avid motorcyclist? If so, you may also consider yourself as one of the safest riders on the road. Sometimes motorcycle accidents occur that have nothing to do with riding skills, and some of these accidents end up in fatalities. Those who are fortunate enough to survive this type of accident might be thankful for their lives and overlook the fact that they could be entitled to compensation. The following are important things you need to know about this type of accident in case it happens to you or one of your riding buddies.

Call the police.

This is the most important aspect of the accident. If you feel that you are not badly injured, do not dismiss the other driver. This is because important information needs to be exchanged and a police report needs to be filed to ensure that damages to bikes and vehicles can be assessed. Do not rely on verbal exchanges and promises from the other driver. Think about it. You are dealing with a stranger and have no idea about whether or not they are giving you factual information. They might also try to make a claim with their insurance and suggest that you are responsible for the accident.

Get moving.

If you or another bike rider involved in an accident are able to walk, go to a safe area such as a parking lot or the side of the road and wait for the police. If wrecked bikes can be moved, remove them from the roadway too. Leaving them in the road could pose a safety hazard for other drivers while you are waiting. A bike that could be repaired might also get more damages if it is not removed from the road. 

Deliver accurate information to police.

Drivers sometimes have different stories about what caused an accident. Stick to the story you give to the police as long as it is factual. Do not agree with things the other driver says even if they try to get you to change your story. This is something that could result in it looking like you are at fault or shared responsibility, which could affect compensation.

Keep clothing. 

This might sound odd, but if you are in a motorcycle accident, your clothing will likely be torn and perhaps bloody. You might even have a mangled helmet. Keeping these items could aid in showing that the accident was serious even though you survived it. 

Get medical attention. 

This is important even if you or your friend feel fine physically. Medical tests such as X-rays can reveal potential problems, and if you have to return to the ER, it will be documented that you sought treatment early. Delayed treatment could cause an insurance company to question whether you were really injured. 

A motorcycle accident attorney is a good resource to use after a biking accident. Even if your body feels fine soon after an accident, it is possible that pain could start in the coming weeks. For example, some people may not immediately feel the effects of whiplash. 

Contact a legal professional like Cok Kinzler PLLP to learn more.