Motorcycle accidents aren’t uncommon in the United States. They’re more dangerous than clashes involving other vehicles and difficult to resolve financially as well. Legal experts believe that judges are generally unfavorable to bike riders. Since the stereotypical assumptions present them as reckless drivers. That’s why even minor mistakes may lead to the plaintiff losing his/her lawsuit. So, here are some suggestions on what sort of actions you should take immediately after suffering a motorcycle accident:
- Document Everything
Make an extensive record of your entire experience throughout this incident. Document how many days you missed from work and how much the medication cost you. Remember that visualization is important in legal proceedings. So, take photos and get footage of the scene right after the crash, as well as your bodily injuries. Similarly, try documenting the healing process, as it’ll prove how long it took you to recover. Record details about the witnesses, too, for making the lawsuit convincing.
- Don’t Blabber
It’s natural to feel the urge to talk about your experience. But it often pays not to discuss your claim with everyone, especially when “everyone” includes the guilty party. In normal situations, culpable people shall contact you via an insurance adjuster. It’s wise not to give them a statement which they can later use against you. Just refer them to the traffic crash lawyer you’ve hired. Employing the legal services of an attorney means that he/she speaks on your behalf now.
- Hire an Attorney
Talking to a qualified attorney increases your chances to present the case resourcefully. It’s preferable hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer who has experience dealing with such lawsuits. Attorneys will provide you effective legal counsel regarding your options as a victim in this mishap. They’ll assist you in attending legal proceedings and negotiating with insurance companies. They also recommend bringing in other experts to strengthen the case and multiply your odds at winning. For more in-detail information about what you should do when facing such circumstances, you can access this link.
- File a Report
In 2019 alone, motorcycle casualties accounted for 14% of all vehicular fatalities in the United States. So, don’t consider your case trivial and swiftly contact local law enforcement agencies to document your narrative. The police report will contain important information you’ve missed, e.g., the guilty party’s identity. Any observation made by the cops may strengthen your case and help you win the lawsuit. So, don’t neglect to get the police involved in the matter.
- Make a Journal
Accident lawsuits often get discarded because the victims provide insufficient information. That’s why it’s also important to pursue journaling to preserve your memory of the incident. Accident journals are presentable as evidence during legal proceedings. So, it’s essential to recount your injuries and physical/financial losses textually. Make sure to divide the journal into different sections to increase your diary’s readability. Ask your accident attorney to suggest you tips on journaling.
- Delay the Repairs
Avoid repairing your motorcycle since the damages serve as evidence of your claims. Keep it as it is for the duration of the trial since repairing it may weaken your case against the guilty party. Also, a judge can ask accident reconstruction professionals to examine the motorcycle to analyze the accident’s severity. A personal injury lawyer will also suggest delaying the repairs to determine the seriousness of the collision during court proceedings.
Conclusion
Certain misconception prevents traffic accident victims from pursuing justice. For instance, some riders believe that if you weren’t wearing a helmet when the accident happened, you’re not entitled to compensation. It’s true that, in many motorcycle accident cases, the victim wasn’t wearing a helmet. But you’re still eligible for settlement. Similarly, suppose you were partially at fault. In that case, the court will decide what percentage was your burden to decrease your compensation. Also, you should file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires. So, in the state of Colorado, you have three years to bring your claim. It’s essential, therefore, to consult a qualified attorney to improve your chances of winning.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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