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. While some accidents are the fault of the driver, more are caused by the drivers of other automobiles. Car Accident Lawyer, Farrah Martinez, explains what to do if the accident is not your fault.
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 impetus behind the state’s 2017 DoT campaign – “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles”.
Drivers of other vehicles are being 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, but in addition, you need to know what to do if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident.
Houston Car Accident Lawyer Explains What to Do Moments After Your Accident
Knowing what to do in the minutes following an accident can make a huge difference in the ultimate outcome, and it might just save your life or the life of someone else. Follow this brief guide.
Assess the Damage – The first thing you’ll need to do is to assess the damage, and that includes physical damage to you and/or 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).
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. Avoid discussing the accident with the other driver or their insurance company.
Call Your Car Accident Lawyer – As soon as possible, call your car accident lawyer. While they might not be able to open a claim without a police case ID or accident report, you can at least get the ball rolling. Once the police have investigated the scene and provided you with a report number, your car accident lawyer can order a copy of the report online. Accident reports are usually ready within 10 days of the accident.
Do I Really 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. Insurance companies are in business to make money, and they don’t do that by paying out a lot of cash to those injured in accidents. An experienced Houston car accident lawyer like Farrah Martinez can help ensure that you receive the compensation you need to cover repair or replacement of your motorcycle, payment of medical bills and the like.
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/