A motorcycle, just like other transportation methods, is used to transport people from A to B. However, for some people, a motorcycle means so much more than that. Motorbikes symbolize freedom and fun. There is an exciting aspect of riding a motorbike, like traveling to the beach or through mountains with groups of other riders, creating life lasting relationships and memories; unfortunately, there is also the danger of a severe motorcycle accident. Motorcycles can sometimes put the driver at deadly risk.
Hopefully, you will never be involved in a motorcycle accident; however, it is best always to be prepared and armed with information if you own a motorcycle. If you own a motorcycle and you have been involved in an accident, you will need to contact the office of personal injury lawyers in Charlotte, NC, and seek professional advice in order to protect your rights and cover your injuries and damages.
9 Things to Do After a Motorcycle Accidents
- You may need medical treatment after a motorbike accident. In case that it is not an emergency, and you are not transferred urgently to a hospital, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible. The reason is to establish a medical record that can be used as primary evidence in your legal case to claim compensation for your injuries and damages.
- You should gather the contact information (names, phone numbers, addresses) of everyone involved in the crash, as well as their insurance information. If there are people around that witnessed the motorcycle accident, get their contact information, too.
- Take pictures of the motorcycle accident scene and the surrounding conditions. Try to capture as much information in the photos as possible. Take pictures of your motorbike, the scene around it, the other vehicles, brake marks, your injuries, and your clothing if it’s damaged. Also, take pictures of the weather or anything that might have contributed to the circumstances that caused the collision—for example, road defects or other.
- Call the police to have the vehicle accident recorded, but do not devalue in any case the importance of your injuries and do not admit fault. Request a copy of the accident report and ask about the procedure to get it. The sooner you have it, the better.
- If your motorbike needs to be moved from the accident scene and transferred by a towing service, ask them to preserve all physical evidence. Do this also in writing to follow up with them.
- Inform your insurance company about the accident and do not give any written or recorded statement without your personal injury lawyer’s presence.
- Quite often that a negligent driver does not carry insurance sufficient enough to cover your injuries and expenses. Motorists usually suffer more severe injuries than car drivers; therefore, it is recommended to purchase an uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage to be able to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.
- Keep all your motorcycle accident records in a file. This file will be handy in case you decide to take legal action and claim your damages. This file may include any documentation and records of the accident and all the receipts of your medical treatment and medication expenses.
- In North Carolina, you must file a claim within three years, except if the accident resulted in death, you must file your lawsuit within two years. There is a statute of limitations set by state law. This means that there is a deadline to file a claim. If you miss the date and file your lawsuit after the statute of limitations, you will be automatically rejected.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Call Ted A. Greve & Associates Today!
If you or somebody you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is imperative to consult a personal injury lawyer in North Carolina that has experience in motorcycle accidents and has knowledge of the state law to handle your case in the best possible way to cover your injuries and damages as you deserve.
Unfortunately, motorbike riders’ negative image is used against them by the insurance companies. In their effort to pay as little as possible, this is an argument they often use to put at least some of the fault on the motorcycle rider. This is one more reason you need a personal injury attorney to handle this awkward situation and defend your rights.
Contact now the Ted A. Greve & Associates Law Firm, and book your appointment for a free consultation.
