Motorcycle accidents, unfortunately, are part and parcel of road life. In the U.S., 3% of all vehicular accidents involve motorcycles. This does not mean, however, that riding a motorcycle is a no-no. It remains a practical option for many people.
To avoid accidents while on the road, you need to learn defensive driving and know your rights. One of the biggest hassles is getting caught in a crash and being helpless about your rights and what the law covers. This is where a motorcycle accident injury lawyer from Denver can help, particularly in heated situations.
But you also need to know the things you will have to do in case of a motorcycle crash. Here is your guide.
The Basics
First, make sure that you did not violate any of the general traffic rules on your end. It will not be good if there is any inkling that you have contributed significantly to the root cause of the accident. If you were running a red light, following too closely or breaking speed limit laws, that hampers your ability to bargain for a case to run in your favor.
Once the initial shock has died down, make sure that you have considered safety practices before tooting the horn on another motorist. Helmets and other safety equipment are particularly important with motorcycle accidents.
Giving Information
Then, make sure you have the three main pieces of information handy: the name, the address and the vehicle registration number of all parties involved. This transparency makes it easy to settle disputes on covering costs of damage to your motorcycle. If a police officer is involved, level up the documentation by taking photos of the crash and the involved parties and every piece of evidence you can get your hands on.
Also, do not forget to keep documentation of your hospital records, especially if you sustained injuries in the incident. This will be essential in filing a case and later on, in filing a compensation claim.
Bow to the Victim Assistance Unit (VAU)
In really serious cases of neglect, driving under the influence or homicidal slants, the VAU of Denver uses a victim-centric approach and may be on board aside from the traditional police officer assistance on road problems.
Have a Lawyer on Speed Dial
In cases where you are asked to compromise or in need of additional consultation due to gray areas, having your lawyer on speed dial is a good way to make sure that you have the right authority readily available. This will ensure that you get the compensation you deserve and in no way will you be taken advantage of by any other party.
Preventive Measures
An ounce of prevention is still ultimately better than a pound of cure. In this case, having the right safety gear and operating within the speed limits are some of the best ways to prevent accidents from happening. The time of day is also something to consider. There are 1.6 times more accidents on the weekends than weekdays in general, and there are greater risks of getting into a motorcycle problem at nighttime than at day.
