What Motorcyclists Should Know After a Motorcycle Wreck
According to the NHTSA, motorcyclists make up only 5% of all drivers. However, they are 27 times more likely than passenger car occupants to get involved in a collision.
As such, you need to know what to do after a motorcycle wreck , whether you’re the driver, passenger, or a bystander.
Read on to learn about what every motorcyclist should know after a wreck and how a motorcycle lawyer can help you.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Wreck
After a wreck has happened, you need to do the following to ensure your safety and make sure that you’ll get the compensation you deserve.
- Get to a safe place. Right after the collision, make sure to get out of harm’s way. If possible, get as far away from traffic as possible. Check to see if you’re badly injured and if anyone else was involved in the wreck. Help get everyone to safety before moving on to the next step. Don’t remove your gear, since you may be injured without knowing it, and removing your gear could make your injuries worse.
- Call the authorities. Call 911 to report the wreck and wait for the police and ambulance to arrive.
- Seek medical assistance. Even if you appear unharmed, you need to get checked out by a medical professional, since not all injuries are immediately apparent. If you were on a motorcycle when the motorcycle wreck happened, you may have rib fractures, broken bones, and internal injuries.
- Make notes about what had just happened and gather evidence. Immediately start gathering evidence and write notes about what had just happened. Take lots of pictures of the scene (from various directions), any damage to vehicles or gear, get a copy of the police report, and talk with other people involved in the wreck to get a better understanding of the situation. Talk to witnesses and get their contact info. Talk to the other driver or drivers and exchange contact and insurance information.
- Talk to your lawyer and insurance company. This is the best time to talk to a motorcycle lawyer and your insurance company. You need to hire an experienced and qualified motorcycle lawyer to help you get the settlement and compensation you deserve. A qualified motorcycle lawyer or attorney will help you get a better insurance settlement with insurance companies and can help establish the liability of the vehicle drivers.
Statute of Limitations
You are entitled to sue for damages when you suffer injuries or fatalities as a result of a motorcycle wreck.
Like other personal injury cases, you need to pay attention to the statute of limitations. According to section 16.003 of Texas’ Civil Practice and Remedies Code, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a claim under Texas law.
Make sure to talk to your motorcycle lawyer about any questions you have about the statute of limitations. It’s important to get any questions you have clarified before moving forward.
Contact the Herd Law Firm Today
We at the Herd Law Firm are avid cyclists (both pedal-power and motorized), and represent clients gravely injured in cycle-car or cycle-truck wrecks. Contact us for a free and confidential legal consultation.
