Know What to Do in the Event of a Motorcycle Accident
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 9,859 injuries and fatalities to motorcycle drivers and passengers in 2016. That’s a significant number and an increase over previous years. It’s also a sign that motorcycle drivers and passengers are less safe than ever before. The drivers of other automobiles typically cause motorcycle crashes.
A Lack of Awareness: Motorcycle Drivers Are at an Increased Risk
One of the most significant contributing factors in the rise of motorcycle accidents across Texas is negligence on the part of other drivers. With an estimated 500,000 registered motorcycles on Texas roadways now, it’s more important than ever for car, truck, van and 18-wheeler drivers to be observant. That’s the force behind the state’s 2017 DoT campaign – “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles.”
Drivers of other vehicles are urged to be vigilant concerning motorcycles. An accident involving a motorcycle is five times more likely to result in an injury than a car-to-car crash, and 29 times more likely to result in a fatality. Of course, motorcycle drivers and passengers also need to be vigilant. However, you need to know what to do if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident.
When You Are Involved in a Motorcycle Accident, Know What to do.
Car Accident Lawyer helps Motorcycle Victims
Assess the Damage – First of all, you need to assess the damage, and that includes physical injuries to you and a passenger on your motorcycle. What injuries have you sustained? Are you able to sit up, or stand?
Chances are good that if you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident involving a car, truck, van or an 18-wheeler, you have sustained serious injuries. If possible, use your cell phone to call 911 to ensure that help is on its way immediately. If you are able, check the condition of any passengers, and the driver/passenger of the other vehicle.
Move Off the Road – If possible, move your motorcycle off the road. The other driver will also need to move their vehicle out of the flow of traffic. If necessary, move any injured individuals off the road (assuming you’re physically able to do so). Most of all, do not cause more harm by trying to help.
Gather Evidence
Exchange Insurance Information – If you’re capable, exchange insurance information with the other driver. You should also get their name, phone number, and address. All of this information will be necessary to file a claim.
Take Pictures – If you are physically able, use your cell phone to take pictures of the accident scene before moving the vehicles out of the road. You’ll need proof of who hit whom, the position of the vehicles, and more. If you’re not able to take photographs, try to memorize every detail of the scene possible.
Talk to Witnesses – While not always the case, witnesses are sometimes present. Get the contact information from these individuals.
Don’t Talk about Fault – Whether the motorcycle accident was the fault of the other driver, or you think it was your own, don’t talk about it except with the police. Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver.
Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
While you may not need a car accident lawyer in all instances, it’s wise to have an experienced professional on your side if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident. Why? Insurance companies are in business to make money. Consequently, they don’t do that by paying out a lot of cash to those injured in accidents. An experienced car accident lawyer like Farrah Martinez can help ensure that you receive the compensation you need to pay for medical bills, missed time from work and your pain and suffering.
For a free consultation, contact Car Accident Lawyer Farrah Martinez at (713) 853-9296.
Source:
http://www.avrek.com/blog/what-to-do-after-motorcycle-accident/
https://rideapart.com/articles/crash-motorcycle
http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2016/01.pdf
http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2016/09.pdf
http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2017/04/28/txdot-drivers-motorcycles/
