Of all accidents involving vehicles, motorcycle accidents are sadly all-too-common, and knowing what to do after an accident can be overwhelming - especially if you have suffered a serious injury or even the loss of a loved one.
Taking the right steps can, however, play a key role in the compensation that you are entitled to receive - and we have put together advice from experts, Jacoby & Meyers motorcycle accident attorneys to maximize your chances of a successful claim and obtain the justice that you deserve after an accident.
What Are The Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycles are inherently dangerous machines, and as such, there will inevitably be incidents where riders fall victim to their own negligence. However, some of these accidents may be avoidable. Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:
- Poor Road Conditions
Road conditions are often cited as being a major cause of motorcycle accidents. This is due to the fact that motorcycles are smaller and lighter than cars, meaning that they are more likely to veer off the road when traveling at high speed. If you are involved in a collision with another vehicle while on a public highway, then you could be liable for any injuries caused by the driver of the other vehicle.
- Alcohol/Drugs
Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction time, which means that drivers who consume them are more likely to make mistakes. It is also worth noting that many people choose to ride a motorcycle after drinking alcohol or taking recreational drugs. As such, if you are injured in a collision with someone who has been drinking or using drugs, you may be able to prove that this was a contributing factor to the incident.
- Lack of Training
Lack of training is another important reason why motorcycle accidents occur. Many new riders lack the skills necessary to safely operate a motorcycle, and this can lead to a number of problems. For example, inexperienced riders may not be aware of how fast they are going, and this can result in a collision with another object. They may also fail to take into account the size of other objects around them, and this can lead them to collide with pedestrians or animals.
- Driver Negligence
Driver negligence is perhaps the biggest contributor to motorcycle accidents. Drivers should always exercise caution when driving, and they must never assume that other motorists will behave responsibly. When driving, they should keep their eyes on the road ahead, and they should ensure that they are paying attention to other road users.
- Vehicle Malfunction
Vehicle malfunctions are also a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. These include mechanical failures, faulty brakes, defective tires, and so on. In all cases, the fault lies with the manufacturer of the vehicle rather than the rider.
- Improper Maintenance
Improper maintenance is yet another common cause. Routine checks should be carried out every month, and these should include checking tire pressure, oil levels, brake pads, and lights.
What Should You Do After A Motorcycle Accident?
If you have been involved in an accident involving a motorcycle, then there are several things that you need to do. The first thing that you should do is call your insurance company immediately. Your insurer will want to know about the details of the accident, including what happened, where it took place, and how much damage was done. The next call you make should be to a qualified, professional attorney who can take over your case.
You should also contact the police. This is because they will need to complete a report regarding the accident - this is important if you are planning a compensation claim. For the same reason, you should also seek medical help as soon as possible. You may require stitches, broken bones, or even surgery. Make sure that you get checked over by a doctor before leaving the scene of the accident, and keep a copy of all medical records.
Finally, you should make a note of any witnesses to the accident. If you were traveling behind the person who caused the crash, then you should write down their license plate number. Also, if you saw anything unusual, such as a sudden swerve, then you should record this information too.
Final Thoughts
Motorcycles are great fun, but they are also dangerous machines. If you do happen to be involved in one, it is important to ensure that you have a good idea of the steps that you should take after the accident has taken place, and increase your chance of a successful claim.
