Motorcycles can be a thrilling means of transportation, but these vehicles also come with considerable risks. If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident — either as the driver, a passenger or a pedestrian — it’s important to know how to proceed. Here are a few things to note.
IF YOU’RE THE DRIVER
If you’re uninjured or a first responder has tended to your minor injuries, take the time to document the accident as best you can and exchange information with the other parties involved. During these interactions, refrain from taking responsibility for the accident, and don’t make any promises about compensation for damage. If you do, this could cause problems in the event of legal proceedings.
Following a motorcycle accident, you should hire a lawyer to help guide you through the process of filing an accident benefits claim. They’ll also be able to represent you in court if necessary. Keep in mind that, regardless of who was at fault, you can claim accident benefits from your insurance company if you were injured in the accident. If you weren’t at fault, you may also have the right to compensation from the other driver’s insurer.
IF YOU’RE A PASSENGER
Even if you weren’t driving one of the vehicles involved in the accident, it’s in your best interest to document what happened. This includes writing down details about the events, collecting pictures of the scene and saving any relevant hospital records. Your lawyer can then use this information to ensure you get the best possible settlement.
If you feel uncomfortable about filing an accident benefits claim since you know the driver of the motorcycle involved in the accident, you’re not alone. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this type of claim is generally paid for by the insurer and doesn’t come out of your friend or relative’s pocket.
IF YOU’RE A PEDESTRIAN
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident as a pedestrian, be sure to get the name and contact information of the motorcycle driver, as well as contact information for their insurance company. After you’ve received any required medical attention, report the accident to both yours and the driver’s insurance company. As part of this process, you’ll likely need to prove you weren’t at fault for the accident. Since this can be difficult, you may want to consider hiring a personal injury lawyer to help build your case.
CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED MOTORCYCLE INJURY LAWYER FOR SAULT STE. MARIE & ALGOMA DISTRICT
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, Feifel Gualazzi can help. We’ll pair you with an experienced lawyer to ensure your rights are protected both inside and outside of the courtroom. Contact us today to book a free consultation.