When a motorcyclist and their passengers decide to go on a bike ride, they are immediately putting themselves at risk of getting a head injury in the chance of an accident. This is because they have such a small amount of protection surrounding them compared to drivers and passengers in vehicles. When there is an accident that involves a motorcycle, it can result in the biker suffering from a head injury, including brain trauma that will require extensive care and attention, hospitalization and rehabilitation. It could also lead to becoming paralyzed or death. Suffering from a head injury due to a motorcycle accident can often have lifelong effects for its survivors and a good reason to contact a personal injury attorney in Missouri soon after the accident.
While motorcycle accidents occur at about the same frequency as passenger vehicle accidents, the seriousness of injuries is much greater. Motorcycle accidents occur for many of the same reasons as car accidents, but are much more likely to result in serious injury or death. In one study, motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in an accident than passenger vehicle drivers.
This is because motorcyclists must worry about all the same risks as people in cars, and a few extras that are unique to riding a motorcycle. If you or someone you know and care about uses a motorcycle, it is crucial that you are informed on these dangers so you can stay safe. Be sure to understand the risks of driving generally as well as the risks specific to riding a motorcycle.
Many people who ride motorcycles love the feeling of freedom and independence. But because motorcycles are small and there is so little space between the driver and the road, an accident on a motorcycle is more unsafe than on any other vehicle. In a crash, a motorcyclist risks being crushed or run over by other vehicles, sliding across pavement at freeway speeds, having their motorcycle pin them to the ground, and any number of other injuries that are increased by their lack of protection. Motorcycles are also much harder to see than other vehicles. Therefore, more than half of all motorcycle fatalities occur because of head on collisions.
These situations almost always occur because someone driving a car simply did not see the motorcyclist until it was too late.
Another danger that presents itself to motorcyclists is other vehicles making left hand turns. Often a vehicle turning left will run right into a motorcycle going straight through the intersection. As in the previous situation, the person driving the car or truck just won’t see the motorcycle until nothing can be done. While the other motorist will usually be at fault, situations like these result in so many Missouri motorcycle fatalities.
If you are the victim of a negligent driver you may be asking what to do after a Missouri motorcycle accident to maximize the recovery from the at fault driver. Here are a few things to do:
Call the police, briefly exchange contact information of the driver and any witnesses. Getting the police on scene as quickly as possible is important. They will document what happened, which will be crucial to your insurance claim.
You need the contact information for the person who hit you and any witnesses who saw what happened during the crash.
Do not get into an argument with the driver. Just wait for the police. Also count on anything you say to the driver regarding your injuries being told to his or her insurance company.
Use your camera phone to document the scene. Get the pictures printed and put them in a safe place. Technology fails and phones get lost or stolen. You cannot take too many pictures.
Save your damages parts, helmet and clothing etc as is (don’t wash or repair them).
Seek medical care. Post accident adrenaline may reduce the pain you feel initially. After a Missouri motorcycle crash you may be hurt and need medical attention and not realize it initially. Do not wait to go to the doctor. Waiting for treatment can cause additional injury and the at fault driver’s insurance company adjuster to question your damages.
Follow your doctors orders on future appointments and physical therapy. Nothing says to an insurance adjuster “don’t pay” more than not going to prescribed medical treatment or no showing doctor appointments.
Call a Missouri motorcycle accident attorney. The sooner the better.
Speak only with your attorney. Once you have legal representation, it is important to only speak to your attorney about anything related to the accident. Stay off Facebook and Google+ etc
If you or someone you love have been injured in a Missouri motorcycle accident with a motor vehicle and the accident was not your fault, you may have a right to recover compensation for injury including pain and suffering, property damage, lost wages due to missed work and your medical bills. Victims of personal injury and the surviving family of wrongful death victims often have a difficult time choosing an attorney. Many personal injury firms handle a large volume of cases, treating clients as just one of many.
At The Krebs Law Firm L.L.C., we take a personal approach with our clients. Many people may be worried that they do not have the money to pay for a personal injury attorney when they were injured by a bike accident but we only handle accident cases on a contingent fee basis. In other words, there is no fee unless we are successful in getting you the benefits that you deserve. If you would like to speak to Jason Krebs and his staff simply call (417) 883-5886 for your free case evaluation today.