Legal Rights and Responsibilities After a Motorcycle Crash

| Updated on November 12, 2024

I’m a thriller-seeker and for many years, biking has been my passion, however, a few years ago, my admiration for biking turned catastrophic when I was involved in a very serious motorcycle crash. 

It was a traumatic event that changed my life; I was badly injured and have been pushed into legal implications. 

Dealing with the legal side of motorbike accidents is of course a challenging task, especially when you are still recovering from injuries. 

In this guide, I would like to use my personal experience during the various processes and encourage you to safeguard your interests and know your entitlements during this difficult period in your life. 

Immediate Steps After a Motorcycle Crash

With my experience from the accident, I appreciated the significance of securing myself, and my rights without any delay.

The following are some of the necessary steps, I took in this process:

  • Prioritize Safety: First, I made sure of my safety and that of the others involved, and I also did not hesitate to report to emergency services where applicable. 
  • Collect Evidence: I also took pictures of the accident scene, damages to the motorcycle, and injuries on my body were all valuable pieces of proof
  • Get Information: I took contact details from other people involved in the incident, including their names, addresses, telephone numbers, and insurance information.
  • Get Medical Care: No matter the fact I did not like to admit it, I went to a physician so that all possible injuries be they small or not would be checked.
  • Notify the Authorities: Next, I notified the police and gave the particulars of the incident. This would be vital in ensuring an insurance claim is processed and in any possible litigation going forward.
  • Inform Your Insurance Firm: Al contact my insurance company based on the policy I had and give them the required details of the accident.
  • Consult and Retain a Lawyer: Engage the services of a motorbike accident solicitor to inform me of my possibilities and ways of claiming damages.

Bear in mind, however, that these are just basic suggestions; the steps one should take are however unique to the facts of each case.

Gathering Evidence Using Technology

Luckily, we live in a technologically developed period, which undeniably, assisted me in collecting proof after a motorcycle crash.

I applied the following technical ways to help in documenting the accident case:

  • Social Networks: I analyzed social networks, hoping that somebody saw the accident and described it in a posting.
  • GPS Data: I used my mobile phone to get the geographical coordinates of the spot and maybe recreate how the events that led to the disaster happened.
  • Dashcam Footage: I sometimes wonder if I had a dashcam installed on my motorcycle, I must have been able to review the footage to capture the incident from my perspective.
  • Eyewitnesses’ Contact Details: I also brought home email addresses and other contact details of the bystanders and witnesses who were kind enough to provide the information.

These technologies enabled me not only to win the case but most importantly, to attain justice that was due to me.

Do You Know?
Motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to lose their lives in a fatal driving crash compared with other motorists on the road.

After that I ensured safety and sought medical attention, I stepped to the next stage which was a police report.

I went to the police station closest to the accident scene and explained the circumstances of the accident including the date, time, and place. 

Also, I narrated the series of events that led to the collision, the other vehicle(s) that participated in the accident, and any potential witnesses. 

All information assisted in pointing out the need for a thorough investigation by the police to find out the connection between the accident and the individuals responsible for it. 

The facts in the police report are vital in court cases and claims with insurance companies. 

There is no point in waiting until the police visit the crime scene first to make a report, that’s why I took the step to fill one out quickly to ensure the event had been recorded timely.

Upon leaving the station, the officers who assisted me suggested I get an attorney. 

I therefore started looking for skilled lawyers who dealt with motorcycle accidents.

I even made sure to look at their reviews, verified their licenses, and reached out to a few lawyers for initial consultations. 

In all such sessions, I explained the circumstances surrounding my crash, the nature and extent of the injuries sustained, and the losses that I had suffered.

I also asked them how often they worked on such cases, and what their pricing policies were. 

In the end, I found a lawyer, who was able to convince me that they knew what I was going through and was enthusiastic about defending me and my rights.

Using Digital Health Records for Medical Claims

In order to not overlook any key information regarding my post-motorcycle accident legal obligations and rights, I used digital health records as a means of reducing paperwork demands. 

In an orderly fashion, I carefully photographed and stored all my medical expenses, payment receipts, as well as insurance documents in a safe electronic vault.

This digitization made it possible for me to retrieve and provide my medical history to my attorney and the claims adjuster for the insurance company with ease. 

Whenever I was called to present evidence, I made certain that everything required was already organized so I could receive appropriate payment for medical costs, and that the claims process was completed as quickly as possible.

Conclusion

As I have gone through it, I understand how challenging and complex it could be to deal with the legal aspects of motorbike crashes. 

Nonetheless, I believe that it is possible to defend yourself and seek justice if you are informed of the rights you have and act swiftly whilst seeking professional legal counsel.

My own experience drove home the significance of safety precautions, collecting evidence, and maintaining a detailed account of what transpired.

Thus, as long as you follow these recommendations and guidance, and consent from skilled legal professionals, you have better chances of succeeding in most circumstances.




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