Bicycle and Motorcycle Accidents
When motorcyclists and bicyclists are injured in an accident with a car or truck, they are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. This is because, as opposed to occupants of four-wheel vehicles who have a metal structure to absorb the impact of the crash when it occurs, motorcyclists and bicyclists are unprotected on all sides and, consequently, their bodies typically absorb the impact when a crash occurs. With more than 95,000 motorcycle accidents and approximately 45,000 bicycle accidents occurring in the United States each year, it is important for motorcyclists and bicyclists to understand how they can protect themselves to ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve when filing an insurance claim or personal injury claim. Below, we provide you with some tips for helping your claim after getting into an accident with a car or truck.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Regardless of whether you suffered major or minor injuries in a crash, motorcyclists and bicyclists should seek immediate medical attention after an accident. Seeking immediate medical attention will allow you to get the treatment you need to heal from your injuries. It will also prevent insurance claims adjusters or a personal injury attorney from being able to successfully claim that your injuries were the result of another incident and not the accident itself.
Do Not Provide a Statement to an Insurance Claims Adjuster or Opposing Counsel without Speaking to an Attorney
Oftentimes, insurance claims adjusters will want you to provide them with a recorded statement concerning the accident. Insurance claims adjusters will then use the information you provide to them against you to try to diminish the amount of compensation you will receive at settlement. For this reason, it is important that you speak with an experienced personal injury attorney before deciding to provide a statement to the adjuster. Experienced personal injury attorneys can advise you whether it is a good idea to provide a statement depending on the specific facts of your case, and if it is a good idea to provide a statement how to do so without damaging your claim.
Similarly, if your insurance claims turns into a personal injury claim, the attorney representing the person you are suing will likely want to depose you. If this is the case, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial to ensure that you do not provide the other party with ammunition they can use against you to diminish your claim.
Provide the Adjuster or Opposing Counsel with Information Showing that You are a Cautious and Responsible Rider
When insurance claims or personal injury claims are filed by injured motorcyclists and bicyclists, insurance claims adjusters and personal injury defense attorneys are inclined to downplay the validity of the claim because they assume that motorcyclists and bicyclists were reckless when riding. One way to dispel the misconception that you have reckless riding habits is to present information showing that you are actually a cautious and responsible driver. Information that shows you are a cautious and responsible rider include:
- Presenting proof that you were wearing protective gear, including a helmet, when the accident occurred
- Presenting proof of any licensing or training you took to safely operate a motorcycle or bicycle
- Presenting a copy of your driving record, if available, and if it shows that you have not gotten into any other accidents or received any traffic infractions while riding
- If you are a motorcyclist, presenting proof of the length of time you have been licensed to ride a motorcycle
- Presenting proof concerning your familiarity with the roadway where the accident occurred, your familiarity with riding during the time when the accident occurred, and your familiarity with riding in weather conditions that were present when the accident occurred
Contact a Haddonfield Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Motorcycle or Bicycle Accident Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a motorcycle or bicycle accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Andres, Berger & Tran represent clients injured because of motorcycle accidents and bicycle accidents in Camden, Cherry Hill, Marlton, Mt. Laurel, and throughout New Jersey. Call (856) 437-4080 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 264 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, NJ 08033.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
