Motorcycle collisions are among the most dangerous type of accidents with over 3,000 fatalities and 50,000 injuries among motorcyclists in the United States each year. Those motorcyclists who routinely use their cycle as their primary form of transportation are thirty-seven times more likely to die in a collision than automobile passengers or drivers. The reason motorcycle riders are most often either grievously hurt or killed upon collision with an automobile is mainly because of the complete absence of protection around the motorcycle rider. Those inside an automobile have at least a modicum of protection in the form of the metal cage enclosing them as well as the safety features incorporated into most automobiles such as seatbelts and airbags.
The motorcyclist has only a helmet—if worn—and perhaps leather leggings which could possibly lessen road rash injuries. Further, due to the stigmas attached to motorcycle riders by many people, trying a case in which a motorcyclist was involved can be quite complex. Juries may tend to assume the motorcycle rider was at fault simply by virtue of their perception of those who drive motorcycles as aggressive risk-takers. Actually, the overwhelming majority of motorcycle accidents are not the fault of the motorcyclist, yet the cards may be stacked against you from the beginning. There are several things you can do to avoid making mistakes which will further jeopardize your case.
Never Sign Anything
Insurance companies almost never have your best interests at heart despite the abundance of television insurance commercials showing friendly, compassionate people who only want to help. The insurance company is interested in one thing—their bottom line. Because of this, insurance adjusters are trained to use any tactic possible to get you to settle for less than you deserve. Until you have legal counsel in your corner, do not talk to an insurance adjuster and never sign anything the insurance company asks you to.
Never Discuss Your Injuries on the Internet
As tempting as it may be to post pictures of your injuries on Facebook or tweet your friends about your accident–resist the urge. Further, once you begin healing continue to resist that urge. Insurance companies are trained to check for information about your injuries everywhere they can. Should you post a photo of yourself horseback riding with your family two weeks after your reportedly-serious motorcycle accident and could hurt your claim. Try to avoid talking about your case to anyone other than your lawyer if at all possible.
Don’t Neglect Documenting Your Injuries
One of the primary ways accident cases can go awry is simply from lack of organized documentation. From the time your accident occurs you must be vigilant in documenting every single issue surrounding the accident and your subsequent injuries. Have someone take photographs of your injuries and write down everything you could do prior to the accident but are now unable to do—whether temporarily or permanently. Keep every medical receipt including those for prescriptions, therapy, chiropractors—basically any and every receipt which has to do with your accident. A daily journal will help you remember details you might otherwise forget over time.
Never Miss Doctor’s Appointments
Even if you have a really good reason, missing a doctor’s appointment will give the impression that you are simply looking for an insurance handout rather than doing your best to heal. Be on time for your appointments and follow any advice given you by your physician.
Finally, hire an attorney at the earliest possible time. Trying to handle your motorcycle accident injury case is a huge mistake as most of these cases are practically impossible to navigate without legal assistance. The highly experienced motorcycle accident attorney will understand the particular mechanics of motorcycle operations as well as the dynamics of the accident. The aftermath of a motorcycle accident is difficult and anxiety-producing. Let a knowledgeable motorcycle attorney take some of the worry from you, allowing you to heal.