When the weather in Philadelphia is beautiful, that means more motorcyclists than usual will be hitting the road. Motorcycles are a fun, convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Plus, they’re just plain cool.
For safety’s sake though — and to minimize the risk of an accident that might change your life or someone else’s forever — there are important steps that every rider should take before hitting the road. However, if you have been injured in a motorcycle crash as a result of someone else’s negligence or carelessness, you may have a viable legal claim against the party at fault.
Motorcycle accidents are increasingly common across Philadelphia. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help riders and drivers stay safe on our roads, as well as guide them through the aftermath of a crash.
If you are the victim of injuries incurred in a PAmotorcycle crash, the following six steps can be crucial to take right away to maximize your chances of obtaining compensation for all your losses and damages:
Call the police and get a police report. This step is so important because a police report detailing the specifics of an accident is a legal document that can be very powerful evidence in a motorcycle accident claim. Generally, the police officer who investigates your accident will take witness statements and make a determination of fault, which will be included in the report. In some cases, this information can be vital in the insurance claims process.
Seek medical attention right away. Any delay can be detrimental to your claim. If you are injured, contact a doctor immediately and follow their treatment plan. Do not wait to see if you feel better in a day or two, as it may be too late to properly treat your injuries if they turn out to be more serious than you originally thought. Be sure the medical professional treating you makes a notation of any complaints you had at the time of treatment. Also, be sure to ask for copies of medical bills and reports for your records.
Photographic evidence is always your friend. Photographs are always important in an accident claim, but they become even more crucial when there is no police report available or witnesses who can help establish what happened in a crash. In any case, it is important to obtain photographs of the site of the accident, your motorcycle and its damage, and all of your injuries. Also, if there was another vehicle involved in the accident, be sure to take photos of it, as well.
Gather names and contact information of witnesses to your accident, including other drivers and passengers. If there were any witnesses to your accident, try and get their contact information and speak with them about what they saw and heard leading up to and during the accident. These witness statements can be very powerful evidence in a motorcycle accident case and help establish fault for the accident.
Contact a personal injury attorney who represents motorcyclists. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys can help to ensure that all evidence is preserved, investigate the accident scene with an eye toward maximizing fault the other parties’ fault, obtain all appropriate medical records and bills, deal with the at-fault party’s insurance company before the adjuster knows you have an attorney, and work to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Do not sign anything or speak to anyone else until you have spoken to a lawyer. Everything you say can and will be used against you by the insurance companies and opposing parties, especially if you make any admissions of fault. Do not give a recorded statement to anyone, including any police officers or insurance adjusters.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Philadelphia
Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
Motorist error resulting from inexperience, inattention, or intoxication
Speeding, which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported to be a factor in 10% of all fatal motorcycle crashes and 22% of all injury crashes
Rough road conditions or poor weather conditions
Motorcycle defects, such as faulty brakes
In addition, compared with automobiles, motorcycles are less stable and more difficult to control under certain conditions. As a result, motorcycle riders are much less likely to be able to avoid hazards than passenger car drivers. The most common accident configuration in motorcycle crashes is a collision with another vehicle.
How Can a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Help You?
If you’ve been involved in an accident while riding your motorcycle, you may have many questions about what to do next. Motorcycle accidents present unique challenges for accident victims and their families, due to the severity of injuries resulting from these incidents. That’s why it’s so important to have the best lawyer for your case.
An experienced personal injury law firm that regularly represents individuals who are involved in motorcycle accidents can evaluate all aspects of your case, including your medical records, police reports, and eyewitness accounts. They can use this information to build the strongest case possible on your behalf. Search online for “motorcycle lawyer near me” or call us today to learn more.
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