Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
In 2020, 83,000 motorcyclists were injured in accidents.
Riding a motorcycle is an experience unlike any other, but it does come with risks and an accident with another motor vehicle can be devastating. While you can’t control other drivers on the road, knowing what to do if a car hits your motorcycle can help keep you safe and get you compensation for an accident that wasn’t your fault.
Keep reading to learn more about the steps to take after a motorcycle accident and hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer to defend your rights.
Get to a Safe Place
The first thing you should do if your motorcycle is hit by a car is to get out of the way of traffic. Move yourself and your motorcycle to a safe place.
Motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable to being hit by other drivers after an accident. If you are able, assist any injured persons at the scene while you wait for help to arrive.
Call the Police
You should always call the police when you’ve been hit by a car. The police will create an accident report that will be important if you file a claim against the other driver.
Call the police even if the accident occurred on private property. If anyone was injured in the accident, tell the 911 operator and they will send an ambulance.
Collect Evidence
The sooner you start gathering evidence that proves what happened, the better. Things can change quickly at an accident scene.
As soon as you are able, take pictures of the motorcycle accident scene. Be sure to get photos of your motorcycle, any other cars involved, and the scene itself. Make note of any relevant traffic or weather conditions, especially if they may have contributed to the accident.
Details you want to make note of include:
- The time and location of the accident
- Damage to all vehicles involved from multiple angles
- The position of the vehicles on the road
- The road itself including nearby traffic signals, signs, and skid marks from the accident
Write down your account of what happened as soon as you can. It can be difficult to remember details after time has passed. If you don’t have a pen and paper, use the notes app on your phone.
Get Contact Information
Next, you’ll want to collect contact information from the other drivers and any witnesses.
Get the insurance information and driver’s license information for other drivers as well as contact information. We recommend taking a photo of their insurance card.
You should also ask for contact information from witnesses to the accident. Your motorcycle accident lawyer will use their statement to help make your case.
Seek Medical Treatment
Whether or not you think you’ve been injured when a car hits your motorcycle, you should get checked out.
If you know you’re injured, go to the emergency room. It’s not uncommon for victims of motorcycle collisions to start feeling pain later on. This is because of the shock of the accident, the adrenaline rushing through your body, and the nature of common motorcycle accident injuries.
If you feel pain at any time after the accident, seek medical care as soon as possible.
You should also be sure to follow through with all prescribed medical treatment, including physical therapy. Attend all follow-up appointments, take prescribed medication, and follow your doctor’s instructions.
Be Careful What You Say
You’ve probably heard this before, but it’s worth repeating – never admit fault after an accident, especially if a car hits your motorcycle.
The insurance company for the other driver will use anything you say against you. This includes anything that can be misconstrued as admitting fault.
To protect yourself and your right to compensation, be very careful what you say.
Report the Accident
Be sure to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Not only will they want to get started investigating your claim, but most policies also require you to report accidents in a timely manner.
When a car hits your motorcycle, you’ll file a claim for property damage as well as bodily injury if you were injured in the accident. You will also need to contact the insurance company for the driver who caused the accident to file a liability claim.
Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer will ensure you keep everything straight. You won’t have to deal with insurance companies on your own and your lawyer will help you get your motorcycle fixed as quickly as possible.
Keep Detailed Records
One of the most important things you can do for your case is to keep excellent records. Get a copy of the police report to give to your motorcycle accident lawyer.
You should also keep records that include:
- Details about your injuries and symptoms, including emotional distress
- Dates and times of medical appointments as well as physical therapy appointments
- Copies of all medical bills and records
- List of medications used to treat your injuries including both prescriptions and over the counter
- Copies of lab tests, bloodwork results, x-rays, MRI films, CT scans, etc
- Photos of your injuries at multiple stages throughout the healing process
- A description of how the accident and your injuries have affected your life
Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If a car hits your motorcycle, you need a motorcycle accident lawyer who has experience with motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle accidents are highly stressful events and the legal process is difficult to navigate on your own. Fortunately, you don’t have to.
When you hire a motorcycle accident lawyer, you don’t have to worry about proving your case. You can rest, relax, and focus on healing your mind and body while your attorney does the work.
If you think you can’t afford a motorcycle accident lawyer – think again. Accident attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis. This means that you don’t have to pay unless you win. And even then, your attorney is paid from your settlement amount.
You don’t owe anything upfront and if you don’t win, you don’t have to worry about paying for their services.
Personal injury attorneys also offer free case evaluations. It never hurts to speak with an attorney after a car hits your motorcycle. Motorcycle accident attorneys have significant experience handling cases like yours and will give you an idea of what to expect from your claim.
Do You Know What to Do if a Car Hits Your Motorcycle?
Hopefully, this guide has given you a good idea of what to do if a car hits your motorcycle. Even though being prepared can help alleviate some stress, dealing with the legal consequences of a motorcycle collision can be overwhelming.
We’re here to help. Click here to schedule a free consultation with one of an Irvine motorcycle accident lawyer today to learn more about your rights to compensation.
