If You Operate a Motorcycle, Keep This Advice in Mind

 Posted on January 15, 2018 in Personal Injury

If you own and operate a motorcycle in the Dallas, TX, area, liability rules and guidelines may be a bit different for you than they would be for the operator of a standard motor vehicle. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are stigmatized, and when an operator is in an accident, even law enforcement may operate under the notion that motorcyclists assume liability when they get behind the handlebars. This notion can make it difficult for motorcycle accident victims to recover compensation for their injuries and damages, especially if the police report shows a bias towards the other vehicle operator. For this reason, motorcycle accident victims should always retain the help of a knowledgeable and aggressive Dallas motorcycle accident attorney after an accident, one who has experience in investigation, negotiation, and litigation.

Bearing that in mind, much of a motorcycle accident victim's case hinges on what he or she did directly after the accident. Without understanding what protocol to follow, an accident victim may unwittingly sabotage his or her case. If you have never gone through the claims process before, and if you want to make sure that you have all of your legal bases covered should you ever have to go through it, keep the following advice in mind.

Purchase the Right Coverage

You will not get very far with your accident claim without the right insurance coverage. In addition to purchasing the state minimum, which is $30,000 for each injured person, $60,000 for injuries per incident, and $25,000 for property damage, you should also consider buying uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage ( DMV.org). While it may not seem fair to you to have to pay for someone else's negligence, doing so could actually save you significant money and headache in the long run. When trying to determine how much you should purchase, consider the most common types of injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents and the estimated cost of rehabilitation, which may include the cost of medical care, lost wages, therapy, and more.

Be Mindful of the Statements You Make

After an accident, it is essential that you are mindful of what you say, especially to law enforcement, the other party, and insurance adjusters. Regardless of how the motorcycle accident occurred, never admit fault. Even if you suspect that you were at fault, do not say so as evidence could paint a completely different picture and prove the other party to be liable. If you do admit fault, law enforcement may not be inclined to conduct a thorough investigation, and the other party's insurance company may use your statement to avoid paying.

Additionally, do not tell anyone that you are 'fine.' Do not post to social media letting friends and family know that you are okay. Do not forego medical attention. Doing any of these things can serve to counter your claim and make it difficult for you to recover compensation for your medical expenses, which may make up a majority of the proposed settlement amount.

Gather Evidence

This is one thing that most motorcycle accident victims fail to do, as most accident victims do not think to take pictures, gather witness testimonies, or preserve evidence (bloodied clothing, a dented helmet, etc.) right after a crash. However, if you are able to gather evidence after an accident, your odds of winning your case may double. Photographs do not lie, and they can fill in the holes where words will not do. Witness testimonies are also helpful, as third-party witnesses have no vested interest in the outcome of a personal injury case and so are more likely to give a more accurate account of what happened.

Contact a Dallas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

As soon as you are able, reach out to a Dallas personal injury attorney. This should be directly after receiving medical care and before talking to an insurance adjuster. The attorneys at Clark Law Group are prepared to investigate the accident, build a solid case in your favor, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and, if necessary, go to trial on your behalf. If you were recently involved in a motorcycle accident, reach out to our legal team today to get started.