Motorcycle accidents account for 8% of the traffic accidents reported each year. That may sound small, but that percentage translates to nearly 5,000 roadway fatalities annually. A motorcycle is listed among the most dangerous vehicles to drive for two reasons:
- The lack of protection afforded the rider
- The high-speed capacity of motorcycles
What are the Risks of Owning a Motorcycle?
If you own a motorcycle, you know the risks you’re taking by riding it. However, that doesn’t mean by willfully accepting those risks you’re not entitled to compensation should an accident occur. This assumption leads to one of the biggest misconceptions in motorcycle accident personal injury cases.
The problem is the assumptive ball doesn’t stop rolling there. Many motorcycle enthusiasts believe that it’s also their responsibility alone to file a claim after the accident. While there are some things you are independently responsible for; you shouldn’t file and fight for your claim alone.
You are entitled to motorcycle accident personal injury representation to protect your best interests. This article will differentiate your personal responsibilities from your lawyer’s responsibilities.
How can I Prove My Motorcycle Personal Injury Case?
There are several things you can do to strengthen and prove your personal injury case, but you should leave the legal strategy and the presentation of the burden of proof to a lawyer. That being said; your personal responsibilities actually start before you ever have grounds to file a motorcycle accident personal injury claim.
If you own and operate a high-risk vehicle on a regular basis, protect yourself by filing for the appropriate insurance coverage before an accident ever occurs. Individuals who ride and maintain motorcycles are encouraged to secure the following insurance coverage before ever hitting the open road:
- Umbrella insurance coverage
- Underinsured motorist conversion coverage
- Medical benefit coverage
- No-fault coverage
As people are fond of saying, it’s not if a motorcycle accident occurs; it’s when. This comprehensive coverage will protect you to the fullest extent possible outside of the law.
Other than preparation beforehand; there are three things you are responsible for any aftermath of an accident. They are:
- Writing down the information of everyone involved in the accident. This includes: the make, model, year, and licensing information of every vehicle on-scene. If possible, include a personal account of the accident.
- If the police are not already on-scene, report the accident to 911 dispatch and wait for an officer to arrive, enter, and file an official accident report.
- Go to the hospital and get assessed for your injuries.
Personal Injury Lawyers in Amarillo
Take all of the above seriously, but leave the actual filing of the claim, injury documentation, and litigation timetable to one of the exceptional personal injury attorneys at Stockard, Johnston, Brown, Netardus & Doyle, P.C. in Amarillo, Texas. Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle is no stranger to motorcycle accidents, minor and tragic, so Stockard, Johnston, Brown, Netardus & Doyle, P.C. is well-versed in motorcycle wrecks, injuries and claims. If you’re the victim of a motorcycle accident, contact these experienced Amarillo personal injury attorneys today.