If you ride a motorcycle, chances are you are always on your guard; always expecting the unexpected – someone in front of you may stop short; someone behind you may be a bit too close. As a rider, you always are conscious of your own vulnerability – or you should be. That is because motorcycle riders are at a significant disadvantage when involved in accidents with most other vehicles. Your vehicle probably is the smallest one on the road (aside from a bicycle). And, the only thing between you and the vehicle ahead of or behind you is your helmet and protective gear – you have no buffers in the event of an accident.
Because there is nothing to absorb the impact of a collision, motorcycle accident injuries can be among the most serious. Motorcycles also are less stable than cars and trucks. So when you have to make an evasive move to avoid an accident, you are at greater risk of being hurt.
Blaming The Motorcyclist
When and if you ever have a motorcycle accident, you may find that for many insurance companies there is a stigma associated with motorcycle riding. All too often the assumption is that the accident must be the motorcyclist’s fault – the motorcycle is difficult to see; motorcyclists notoriously weave in and out of traffic lanes; maybe the motorcyclist was not wearing his helmet . . . However, remember that you have as much right to be on the road as any other driver. The most important thing to do if you have a motorcycle accident is to remain as calm as you can.
What To Do First?
Hopefully, if you ever are injured in a motorcycle accident, you will be able to call 911 as soon as it occurs. If you are able to do so, make some notes on the events leading up to the accident right there on the scene. Too many times, details of an accident can become blurry after the fact.
If you have a camera available (most cell phones today have cameras), take photos of your motorcycle and the other vehicle (or vehicles) involved in the accident. Photographs can be extremely helpful to your attorney later on. Then, just as you would if you were driving your car, exchange insurance information with the other driver involved. Of course, remain on the scene. And if you are injured, allow the ambulance to take you to the hospital to make sure you are alright. Remember that brain injuries are not always obvious.
Finally . . .
If you think you may need an attorney, make sure to retain one that has some experience with motorcycle accidents. As a motorcyclist, myself, I bring a unique perspective to this kind of case, and am always available for a case evaluation.
