Especially here in sunny Southern California, motorcycle riding can be an adventurous and exciting hobby. But, like all other areas of the country, our roads are chock full of speeding, distracted, intoxicated and irresponsible drivers. As a motorcycle rider there is a burden on you to be cautious and constantly alert while riding. As many motorcycle enthusiasts will attest, accidents are unfortunately a part of riding. While all motorized vehicle accidents are horrible, motorcycle accidents can be especially dangerous, maiming and in some cases, fatal. On average, more than 3,100 motorcyclists are killed each year. Even more than that are seriously injured resulting in life altering disabilities. Statistically, most motorcycle accidents are in fact not caused by the motorcyclist. More times than not it is the fault of the other driver involved in the accident. Even though most happen because the other driver is unable to see the motorcycle, that does not release them from blame.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident there are a number of things to remember:
- Stay put! Stay right where you are, at the scene of the accident, until the police arrive.
- Swap personal information! Make sure you get the license number, personal and insurance details of any others involved in the accident.
- Witnesses! If there were witnesses to the accident, get their information as well.
- Paperwork! Fill out the appropriate law enforcement paperwork and make sure you get copies of everything associated with the incident. If you don’t think you need it, get it anyways.
- Doctor! Get right to a doctor, even if the EMT’s look you over and send you on your way. Some people think everything is fine after the accident and neglect to see a doctor. This can be problematic as some injuries (brain injuries especially) may take a while to show up.
- Get help! A qualified lawyer will be your best advocate after your motorcycle accident.
This can’t be stressed enough…even if you think you are okay, it is critical that you see a medical professional as soon as possible. Motorcycle accident can result in severe shock or brain trauma and impair your ability to make sound judgments like “should I go to the hospital or not”. Just go. Don’t think about it, just do it. If you do not, and an injury appears at a later date, you may not only suffer those health consequences but it may severely affect your ability to get the compensation you deserve.
Many times, motorcycle accidents leave the rider unable to work, in need of various forms of medical attention, unable to perform duties around the house or in some kind of altered mental state. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the rider to contact a lawyer experienced in recovering the costs related to the motorcycle injury.
If you, a relative or a friend has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to seek legal representation immediately. To do so, please call 800-300-0001 toll-free for experienced legal advice.
