Even if you are moving at relatively low speeds, motorcycle accidents can cause significant injuries to riders. Things like lacerations, friction burns, broken bones and potentially catastrophic injuries like spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury can occur at low speeds due to the relative lack of protection afforded by motorcycles. If you are struck by another vehicle when riding or another vehicle causes you to crash, you could have a negligence claim against the driver.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT VICTIMS
- First and foremost: SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. In the rush following an accident, you might not realize just how hurt you actually are. Furthermore, motorcycle accidents can cause delayed onset injuries, such as brain injury, that are important to detect and treat as early as possible.
- Speak to witnesses and record their contact information. The more eyes you have on the accident, the more likely you are to be able to prove your case.
- Take photographs of your injuries as well as the crash site. Document all aspects of the scene, including time of day, date, location, damage to the vehicles and their positioning.
- Notify the Tennessee Department of Safety. This is a required step for all accidents involving injury, death or property damage exceeding $50. In other words, pretty much all accidents.
- Do not speak to the opposing party’s insurance company. Refer them to your legal counsel.
- Speaking of legal counsel, you should discuss your injuries with a motorcycle accident attorney in your area. After your accident, you will likely focus most of your time on recovery, and you need an aggressive advocate on your side to fight for your right to damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.
Romans 8:28, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”