What do you love most about your motorcycle? Is it the sense of freedom you feel as you zoom down a country road? Is it the opportunity to get out in the fresh air and feel the wind gusting past you? Or perhaps it’s the fact that a motorcycle lets you embrace your rebellious spirit? Many Missourians consider hitting the open road on their beloved bike to be one of their favorite pastimes. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are more likely to suffer from serious injuries or fatalities when they are involved in collisions with other motor vehicles. If you have been injured or have lost your loved one in a motorcycle accident, review our tips for motorcycle injury claims below.
Tragically, many people are injured or killed in Missouri in motorcycle accidents each year. According to data from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, there were a total of 2,235 motorcycle accidents in 2018. Among the crashes, 106 were fatal accidents, and 1,681 resulted in injuries. If you or a loved one was recently involved in a collision, use the tips below when pursuing motorcycle injury claims. Not only will they help you preserve your rights to recover compensation, but also they may bring you peace of mind.
How to Handle Motorcycle Injury Claims
Take Action at the Accident Scene
The immediate aftermath of a collision is often overwhelming. You didn’t expect your day to shift so suddenly, and you might feel confused about your immediate obligations. Your first step is simple: Call the police and remain at the scene of the accident. If you can, take pictures of your motorcycle and the other vehicle, and write down or photograph the other vehicle’s license plate number, make, and model. Exchange information with the other driver involved, and try to get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Finally, when the police arrive, follow their instructions.
Seek and Continue Medical Treatment
Emergency medical care is almost always necessary after a collision involving motorcycles. Even if your injuries are minor, seek medical care right away to preserve your legal right to compensation. Remember that some injuries will not show symptoms for hours or days after an accident. Plus, receiving early medical care can help you recover from your injuries more quickly and establish a link between the accident and your injuries. After you have sought medical attention and received care, follow your doctor’s recommendations and continue getting treatment for your injuries for as long as you are directed.
Track and Keep Records of Expenses
Be fastidious about your record keeping. Keep records of all of the expenses that you incur because of your accident. Keep copies of all of your medical bills and receipts. If you are forced to miss work and lose income, keep documents showing your income losses. Basically, if you’re ever uncertain whether a receipt or record is worth keeping, keep it until you’ve had a chance to consult your attorney.
Although you may want to repair your bike straightaway, do not give in to the temptation. Keep your motorcycle in its post-accident condition so that the damages may be recorded, and don’t schedule any repairs until your attorney says you may. Though you may be itching to ride again and see your bike restored to its former glory, the motorcycle’s physical condition may be crucial in demonstrating the type and severity of damages sustained. In addition, it may help an accident reconstruction expert determine important details like the angle of impact and the speed at the time of the collision.
Be Careful When Dealing with the Insurance Company
It is unfortunately true that some jurors are biased against motorcyclists, believing them to be inherently likelier to take risks. Insurance companies understand these types of biases and often try to take advantage of them.
So after your accident, when an insurance adjuster contacts you and requests a recorded statement about the collision, do not agree to do so until you have talked to your attorney. Remember that the insurance company is not on your side and may use your statement against you later. In addition, do not agree to sign any documents from the insurance company without consulting your attorney. If you’re concerned about appearing uncooperative, don’t worry. Politely tell the insurance company’s representative that you wish to speak to your attorney first, and stand your ground.
Get Help from the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave
As soon as possible after the collision, contact an experienced attorney who can help you protect your rights and recover compensation. Call the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave if you’re located in southwest Missouri. We have the experience, knowledge, and knowhow to help you move forward with confidence. In fact, we once helped a motorcyclist injured in a collision secure a $1,100,000 settlement! To schedule your free consultation, please call 417-322-2222 or fill out our online contact form.
P.S. Check out our blog post Things to Know Before and After a Motorcycle Accident.