On many accounts, a motorcycle accident is no different from other vehicular collisions.
Yet, because the rider is more exposed, the severity of damages and injuries tends to be greater.
Although each incident varies from the next, common injuries motorcycle riders experience range from fractured or sprained extremities to bruised hips to concussions and internal injuries.
But while a sprained wrist may heal, the long-term and life-changing consequences of certain conditions veer the rider's course down a different path - one, possibly, of years of medical treatments and lost wages.
If this sounds like your post-accident condition and the other driver's insurance company won't pay up, filing a lawsuit appears like the next necessary course of action.
So, to be prepared, what should you do? At the Scene Unlike truck accidents, which have far more parties responsible for a collision, an incident involving a motorcycle and another vehicle has less red tape.
As just the other driver is responsible, all you, as the motorcycle rider, need to do is take down the license plate number of the vehicle that hit you and the name and number of the other driver and all possible witness.
As well, contact the local police department to file an accident report.
While, at the scene of accident, you should ensure your safety, be sure to remove your bike from the road or at least prop it up to avoid any further collisions.
Additionally, take pictures of the damage that the vehicle experienced from multiple angles.
Afterwards While working with your and the other driver's insurance company is advised, don't settle on an amount if you find medical bills piling up and wages decreasing.
Before contacting a lawyer, however, compile all information necessary to presenting your case to show the other driver is at fault, be it because of reckless driving, illegal behavior, or simply not following the rules of the road, and the extent of your injuries.
Any items from the scene - the police report, your photos, and witnesses - convey your stance, along with medical bills and statements showing time off from work and lost wages.
If a motorcycle accident lawyer decides to take on your case, he or she begins with a demand letter - a document sent to the other driver's insurance company.
Listed are your intent to sue, the degree of injury, medical costs, and a settlement amount.
The insurance company may decide to settle after receiving the letter, but if not, the lawyer files a claim to begin the lawsuit.
From there, the case heads to court.