Motorcycle accidents are some of the most devastating types of auto collisions that any motorist can endure. Motorcyclists aren’t protected by large amounts of protective hardware as drivers of cars, trucks, and other vehicles with enclosed cabins are. Because of this, these incidents often result in severe physical injuries, psychological damage, or even the death of the motorcyclist. If you were recently the victim of a motorcycle accident, it is imperative to be familiar with your rights to ensure that you receive the necessary compensation for recovery. To learn this information, see the details below.
Just like any auto collision, it is essential that you fully exercise your rights in the aftermath. Firstly, whether you are the victim or the cause of the crash, one of the first steps you must take in protecting your rights is to contact the police. Not only will the officers protect you by securing the scene and defending you in case the exchange of personal information goes awry, but they will also ensure that all possible details of the crash are recorded thoroughly and objectively.
This will be critical to your case, especially since, when you are the victim, the negligent party is likely to attempt to misrepresent information regarding the incident to reduce the potential consequences they may face. For this reason, you must exercise your right to refuse to offer any statements, especially in the form of recordings or written statements. The negligent party’s legal and insurance team will undoubtedly attempt to use this information against you by misconstruing your words, making it seem as if you were liable.
Know that you also have the right to receive immediate medical attention – again, this is true whether you are at-fault or not. As mentioned above, motorcycle accidents are particularly dangerous. So, you must do everything in your power to monitor your physical condition, even if you do not feel hurt. After you visit your physician following the crash, it is time to exercise one of your most important rights in this case: the right to pursue legal action against the individual responsible for the crash.
Filing a Lawsuit for Your Crash
Anyone who was not the cause of the incident should not be expected to cover the financial losses on their own. These losses may be associated with any of the following:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
Still, you may find that you are up against a challenge when you attempt to recover the expenses required for your recovery. For this reason, you must exercise your right to legal guidance. A car accident lawyer is essential to succeeding in your legal pursuit of compensation after a motorcycle accident. They will thoroughly investigate your case, recovering all possible documentation, photo, and video evidence of the crash to fully demonstrate your innocence.
If you happen to be the defendant, they will work to have your consequences reduced so as not to put you in irreparable financial distress. It is critical that you exercise your right to a lawyer. If not, you risk experiencing preventable financial harm alongside the injuries and legal consequences incurred in your motorcycle crash.
