What Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do?

Motorcycle riders know there’s nothing like the feeling of riding. The exhilaration and freedom of being on a bike are hard to match.

However, most riders understand that bikes can be dangerous. Motorcycles are, by their nature, more vulnerable to accidents than passenger vehicles. If you are involved in a bike crash, you may need the help of a motorcycle accident lawyer.

Why Are Motorcycles More Dangerous Than Passenger Cars?

In 2020, the Insurance Information Institute reported 83,000 motorcycle injuries. Sadly, almost 5,600 people also lost their lives in a bike accident that year.

The Nature of the Bike

Motorcycles operate on two wheels, making them less stable than a passenger car. Road hazards can cause a biker to lose balance. Ice or snow patches, oil spots, and even freshly mowed grass are slippery hazards for these two-wheeled vehicles.

Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles on the road and therefore less visible to other drivers. Also, riders on an open bike are susceptible to severe injuries during a crash. With no walls or airbags to protect them, there is little or nothing between them and the pavement.

The Skill Level Required To Ride

Riding a motorcycle requires a level of skill that differs from driving a car. Riders need increased strength and coordination to guide a bike and must remain very aware of their surroundings. These are the reasons most states require potential riders to take a training course to obtain a motorcycle license.

Playing It Safe

Riders can improve their chances of safety by taking extra precautions. They include:

• Checking the weather: If ice, snow or heavy rain are in the forecast, consider biking on a better day.
• Inspecting the bike: Ensure all signals and lights work. Check the tire pressure and fuel and oil levels, and make sure the horn works.
• Wearing protective gear: A helmet, non-slip gloves, boots, leather chaps and a leather jacket put protective layers between you and the pavement.
• Obeying traffic laws: It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of riding, but resist the temptation to speed. Use your signals and brake with caution.
• Taking a riding course: Even seasoned riders can learn something new. An advanced riding course teaches you braking techniques, turning methods and collision-avoidance measures.

What Happens After a Motorcycle Accident?

Hopefully, you assume every precaution you can as a rider. Even if you take safety seriously, though, you can still be in an accident.

It helps to ride defensively, but you can’t completely control the actions of others. Here is what to do if you are involved in a crash.

Get to a Safe Place

Your safety is the top priority. Get yourself to a safe location. You may be tempted to move your motorcycle — but doing so can put you in more danger. It also tampers with evidence at the scene of the accident.

Call Emergency Personnel

If you are able to call for emergency services, do so. If you cannot, try to find someone to do it for you. Consider keeping an emergency ID card with you when you ride. It can provide essential information to first responders if you cannot do so.

It’s a good idea to seek medical attention even if you don’t think you need it. If injuries show up later, the insurance company may question why you didn’t get help right away.

Gather Information

If you are able to take photos or videos of the accident scene, it can help you later. Notice your surroundings. What are the weather conditions? Are there road hazards? Is anyone else involved in the crash? Are there witnesses? Even the most minor details can be helpful.

Cooperate With First Responders

Report the details and answer questions truthfully and thoroughly. However, it is essential not to admit guilt at the scene. You are probably in some degree of mental shock after the accident — it is likely that you aren’t thinking clearly. Admitting guilt can also compromise your legal options down the road. Wait until you have had a chance to speak to an attorney.

Consider Legal Representation

You may need to help of a motorcycle accident lawyer after a crash. If someone else caused the accident, you had roadway obstructions, or if there were other factors beyond your control, an attorney could help you get the compensation you deserve.

A legal representative can advise you on how to talk to your insurance company. Therefore, it is good to consult an attorney before speaking with an insurance agent.

How Can a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Help You?

You may wonder if you need legal representation after an accident. Here are some specific ways a motorcycle accident lawyer can support you.

Helping You Understand What Is at Stake

The repercussions of a motorcycle accident can extend far beyond the incident itself. After the initial crash, you can have long-lasting injuries that affect you for months or years. You can end up missing work and paying expensive medical bills. You may also have significant property damage to your bike.

Sometimes the accident damage goes further. It is difficult to assign a monetary value to the amount of suffering and pain a motorcycle crash can cause. You may miss out on future earnings if you have a long-term or permanent disability.

Maybe you have never experienced an accident before, especially if you are a responsible, careful motorcycle rider. A motorcycle accident attorney can explain your rights and help you understand the legal process following a crash.

Negotiating With the Insurance Company

The insurance company may be unwilling to give you a fair settlement. Insurance companies often have attorneys who help protect their bottom line. You might not know what your case is truly worth. As a result, you may be tempted to take the amount they offer you, not realizing you deserve more.

Some insurance companies may try to paint all bikers with the same brush — as irresponsible and reckless. However, this is not the case. If you are in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may need extra help proving your situation. Motorcycle accident attorneys are experienced in working with insurance companies. They can help you match the power of the company and its legal team.

Your legal team is prepared to fight for the amount your case is worth. They can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. If they cannot agree on a settlement your attorney believes is fair, your legal team can weigh the options of taking your case to trial.

Easing the Burden After Your Accident

There are a lot of details to take care of after an accident, and if you are injured or suffering, they can be overwhelming. A motorcycle accident lawyer can take some of the burdens for you.

Your legal team can review the accident details, such as police reports and medical documentation. They can meet with relevant parties, such as witnesses, to get a complete picture of the accident. Letting your attorney take care of the necessary details can add up to a lot of relief — and success with your case.

Trust the Attorneys at Fielding Law

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you can trust us to help. Our attorneys can meet with you for a free evaluation. Call our office or reach out online today to see how we can help you.