No one wants to be involved in an accident. But, sadly, these things happen. Anyone could be the victim of an accident on the roads at any time. And, depending on the severity of the accident, you could be left with all sorts of injuries and long-term problems.
In the case of an accident involving a motorcycle, injuries can be severe and the damage to your vehicle extensive. So, you’ll likely want some form of repayment or damages paid post-accident. You should always be able to get fair treatment after an accident, here’s how…
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
First, a quick look at motorcycle accident statistics. Motorcyclists are far more likely to be injured in a crash than automobile drivers. In the USA, there are around 89,000 accidents each year involving motorcycles where the rider is injured. This, although only around 1% of all riders, is still a huge number. If you look at an individual state, like North Carolina, there were over 4,200 accidents and 3,666 injuries in 2018 alone.
You’ll Need A Lawyer
If you’re looking for assistance in getting fair treatment after such an accident, you’ll need a lawyer. Search for a specialist in your area, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Jacksonville, for example. Searching for a local specialist like this is your best bet, as they will not only know everything about your local and state law, but they will also know everything about your type of accident. Specialized lawyers are the way forward when it comes to personal injury or accident claims.
When you search for a lawyer, look for a firm willing to speak to you for free first. They will take time to listen to your case information and explain exactly how they can help. Not only that, but they can also help you get a rental vehicle, medical assistance, and more. Find a lawyer right away, you won’t regret it.
Seek Medical Assistance
As mentioned, your lawyers may help you with this if you haven’t already. You should always seek medical attention after an accident, no matter how mild or severe your injuries seem to you. For starters, your auto insurance should immediately cover any medical bills so you shouldn’t be worried about the cost. Plus, you’d hope you can recover some of these expenses in a settlement.
Secondly, it’s super important for the future of your case that you have proper medical reports. If you and your legal team are trying to get damages paid regarding injuries, you must have proper medical evidence to back it up. So, it’s not only important that you get treated now, it’s also important that this medical information helps you in the future.
Preserve Evidence
When you have an accident, the police will likely arrive on the scene quickly. They will take their pictures, videos, and statements at the time. However, it’s important that you do the same. The police evidence will certainly be important. But, if you are well enough and it is safe to do so, you should take as many photos and videos as you can.
You are looking for pictures of the defendant’s vehicle, any skid marks, damage to your bike, and anything else you might think relevant. Your own, impartial evidence could be crucial to proving who was at fault for your accident.
Speak To Your Boss
Depending on your injuries, you may require time off work. Sticking with North Carolina, you will be eligible for some state sick pay. However, your work may only pay you the minimum possible. Whatever the case with sick pay, you’ll need evidence of this. Any loss of earnings you suffer due to your accident will also form part of your evidence, especially if it is a large amount.
Ask For A Settlement
Once your lawyer has gathered all the evidence discussed in this article, they will be able to seek a settlement for you. This settlement can cover loss of earnings, medical expenses, and vehicle damage. It can also include any financial reward your legal team thinks is suitable for personal damages. This can include long-standing mental health effects of your accident, adaptations you’ve had to make to your home or work life due to the injuries, or for things like scars or missing limbs.
All in all, your legal team will help you ensure you’ve built every part of your case properly and that you are fairly rewarded for anything and everything possible. It’s not nice to have to go through this sort of situation, but working with a good lawyer can at least get you repayment for some of the hardships you’ve been through.