Know Your Rights: What to Do When the Unexpected Happens on the Street

No one plans on getting into a motorcycle accident.

Motorcyclists face extreme risks every time they ride, however. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals the fatality rate among motorcyclists is nearly 28 times higher than occupants of passenger vehicles. If you ride, please read this article.

The good news is that understanding your rights well after an accident occurs can drastically change the outcome. Learn what to do when dealing with insurance companies and when you should call a motorcycle accident lawyer. Your rights are there for a reason. The following advice will help you protect them.

What you're going to learn:

• Why Motorcycle Accidents Are So Dangerous

• The First Steps To Take After a Street Accident

• When To Call a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

• How To Protect Your Rights After a Crash

• Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Case

Why Motorcycle Accidents Are So Dangerous

Motorcycles simply do not provide structural protection like cars do.

If you're hit, there's nothing between you and the road but a helmet. Airbags? No. Steel frame? Nope. That's why motorcycle accidents tend to be so severe in comparison to car crashes and pedestrian accidents involving pedestrians in urban areas. Accident attorneys see it firsthand — motorcycle injuries are no joke.

Fatalities are also tragically common. In 2023 alone, IIHS found 6,335 motorcyclists died in traffic crashes. That breaks the previous record high and represents a 26% increase in deaths since 2019.

Here's another stat:

Motorcycles only make up 3% of all registered vehicles but account for 15% of total traffic fatalities. Those are not good odds if you're a rider.

Most common causes for crashes include speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Too often, the motorcycle rider is entirely innocent. Other drivers just don't see them coming.

The First Steps To Take After a Street Accident

This is where most riders blow it.

There's no doubt about it – motorcycle accidents are chaotic and emotional. But the steps a rider takes immediately after a crash will dictate how the rest of their case unfolds. Read closely:

Ensure you're out of harm's way first. Move your motorcycle off the road if possible.

Call for emergency services. Traumatic injuries may not always be visible. Call the police to file a report and seek medical attention right away.

Document as much as you can. Once you have a phone in hand:

• Take photos of the accident scene, from various angles

• Take close-up photos of all damage

• Take pictures of any injuries, even if they're minor

• Gather the contact information of witnesses

• Obtain the other driver's insurance information

Don't apologize or admit fault. It can be tempting to do the right thing and apologize, but resist. Even if you think you were wrong, let the proper authorities sort it out.

When To Call a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

As soon as you can.

Insurance companies work for one sole purpose – to pay out as little on claims as possible. Motorcycle accident lawyers understand how these companies work and will ensure your rights are protected from the moment they're hired on to a case.

Evidence doesn't stick around forever. Whether it's skid marks on the asphalt or security camera video footage of the crash, evidence needs to be collected immediately or it may be gone forever.

Call a motorcycle accident lawyer when:

• Injuries require medical attention. Hospital visits, doctor consultations, loss of wages, and more can fall under a claim if injuries are bad enough.

• The other driver is being unreasonable. If fault is disputed by the other driver or their insurance company, you need legal representation on your side.

• An insurance company makes you an offer. Never accept the first offer made by an insurance company. Wait to speak with your attorney.

• Medical expenses start adding up. Compensation can include many different facets of your life. A lawyer can help ensure you receive everything you deserve.

Don't wait too long. Free consultations are always available to see your options.

How To Protect Your Rights After a Crash

Believe it or not, you have a lot of power following a motorcycle accident.

Power you can use to ensure you're receiving the compensation you deserve following a crash. However, knowing and following through with key steps can make or break your case.

Seek medical treatment immediately. Go to the doctor following an accident and continue to do so if they advise further treatment down the road.

Stay off of social media. Insurance companies often look to social media accounts to "find holes" in your claim. Post an update about your injury and you may be forfeiting your right to compensation.

Keep records of every interaction. Emails, texts, letters… you name it. A motorcycle accident lawyer will want to see all the communication you've received.

Follow through with treatment. If you're told to take medication or attend physical therapy, do it. Failure to comply can be used against you by insurance companies.

Pretty easy stuff, right? Follow these four rules and you'll be in a great position to succeed with your claim.

Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Case

And now for the part where things start to go wrong for some…

Sure, you now know your rights after a motorcycle accident but only following through with them will result in victory. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid:

• Providing a recorded statement. Insurance companies have adjusters for a reason. They know how to work riders into giving statements that will reduce their payouts.

• Accepting the first settlement offer. Insurance companies will lowball you. Make sure your lawyer reviews any and all offers before you accept.

• Waiting to file a claim. States have deadlines on when you can file a personal injury lawsuit. Consult with your lawyer to make sure you don't miss the cut off.

• Not consulting with a lawyer. You don't need to hire a lawyer to start a claim, but never face off with an insurance company on your own.

Knowledge is power and this article should have covered everything you need to know about your rights. Stay safe and know many motorcycle accident lawyers are ready and waiting to help today.

The Final Takeaway

You can get into a motorcycle accident in the blink of an eye. But if you know what to do and how to handle yourself following a crash, you can ensure your rights are protected.

Let's take a second to review what you learned:

• Get to safety and call for medical services as soon as possible

• Document everything you can with photos and videos

• Don't admit fault or make any statements at the scene

• Call a motorcycle accident lawyer right away

• Avoid posting on social media and keep all medical records

• Never accept the first insurance settlement offer

Knowledge is power. Stay safe out there and know your rights!