Protecting Your Injury Claim After a Motorcycle Accident

The real risks of motorcycles are the lack of protection they offer to riders.

As the number of people riding motorcycles increases, unfortunately accidents are bound to increase as well. There is nothing like driving a motorcycle and riders are usually very safe. But even when bikers are extra cautious, anyone riding a motorcycle is still five times more likely to be injured in a crash and 25 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than those riding or driving in passenger vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Most bikers understand these risks and operate their vehicles with caution, but the most common cause of motorcycle crashes is drivers of passenger vehicles who are not paying attention and do not see motorcycles. Many people see motorcycles as being very dangerous and just assume that motorcyclists who get into an accident have taken some unnecessary risk. This prejudice can make it more difficult to prove liability in a motorcycle accident case, because juries may be predisposed to believe the stereotype about outlaw bikers or risk-taking riders. But the truth of the matter is that motorcyclists usually take their safety very seriously, follow the rules of the road, and are safe drivers. After an accident, the at-fault driver will very often say that he or she never even saw the motorcyclist.

The real risks of motorcycles are the lack of protection they offer to riders. Motorcycles are designed to be open and free and this is one of the many draws. Riding a motorcycle gives riders an adrenaline boost and a sense of freedom that does not come with driving a car. Yet the benefits of motorcycles can be one of the biggest dangers as well. Because there is little to no protection between a biker and the road, in the event of an accident bikers are likely to be thrown from their motorcycles. Wearing a helmet can protect your head, but not the rest of your body. The types of injuries a motorcyclist can sustain in an accident can be pretty severe. These injuries include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain or head injuries, broken bones, road rash, and many others.

How should you handle a motorcycle accident?
After a serious accident, you may need medical attention and may not be able to follow these steps. But every motorcyclist and their family members should be aware of what steps to take in order to protect a motorcycle accident injury claim. If you are able to, follow these steps:

1. Call the police: They will need to document the accident as soon as possible.
2. Get medical attention: After any accident, all motorists and motorcyclists should seek medical attention. Just as it is important for police to collect evidence and document what happened, it is important that your injuries are documented and treated by a medical professional. You may think that your injuries are not severe enough to warrant medical attention, but it is a crucial part of protecting your claim.
3. Seek legal counsel: Contact a St. Louis motorcycle accident attorney. Your attorney will help to assess your injuries and the damage to your property, as well as other financial and emotional losses you have suffered as a result of the accident and will then pursue full compensation for those losses.

St. Louis Motorcycle Accidents

As a biker, it is important to make sure that you know how to protect yourself when out on the road and be aware of the best ways to protect your legal interests in case you are ever involved in an accident.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a St. Louis motorcycle accident, call the Zevan and Davidson Law Firm at (314) 588-7200. We will fight to get you the compensation you are entitled to.

photo credit: WorldWideMotorcycles