Any biker knows the feeling of freedom that comes from riding a motorcycle on the open road. But unfortunately, motorcycle accidents on the rise in Canton, and motorcycle accident victims can find themselves bearing the monumental costs of injuries, bike damages, and more. But if you were in a motorcycle accident and it wasn’t your fault (which is usually the case, even if you’re inclined to blame yourself), you shouldn’t have to pay for the damages you’ve suffered. You need to get in touch with an experienced Canton motorcycle accident lawyer who can help right away.
Speak with our Canton personal injury lawyer today for more information about your claim.
At John Foy & Associates, our primary goal is getting accident victims the money they need to make up for accident costs and move forward with their lives. Motorcycle accidents can be especially extreme since a biker is less protected than someone in a car or truck accident. We understand how painful this can be for the victim and their family—and we’re here to help. To get a FREE consultation with one of our top attorneys and talk about your case, call us today at 404-400-4000, or fill out the form to the right.
Who Is At Fault in a Motorcycle Accident?
Just like with any personal injury accident, the party whose negligence led to the accident is determined to be at fault. Negligence is just a legal term for fault. Someone is acting negligently if their carelessness leads to an injury or property damage. When that person is found to be at fault, they are then liable (responsible) for the victim’s accident costs.
If you’re the victim of the motorcycle accident, those costs can include:
- Treatment of injuries
- Hospital and doctor visits related to injuries sustained because of the accident
- Property damage, including costs of repairing damage to your motorcycle (or replacing it, if need be)
- Transportation to/from doctor visits
- Long-term care needs for your injuries, such as physical therapy
- Emotional damage, if you also suffered a physical injury as well
- Costs associated with the loss of a loved one, if a family member was killed in the motorcycle accident
In order to receive the damages you’re entitled to, your motorcycle accident lawyer will need to demonstrate the other party was at fault for the accident—and, as a result, your costs. They will do this by investigating the accident, doing their own research, and compiling evidence. Ways an attorney does this includes:
- Sending investigators to the scene of the accident (which is why it’s so important to call a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident)
- Asking you to recount all the details of the accident you can remember
- Talking to witnesses
- Examining and compiling police reports and hospital records
- Negotiating with the at-fault
- party’s insurance company to prevent them from offering you less than you deserve (which is incredibly common)
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
With the above information in mind, it’s important to remember that details matter after a motorcycle accident has occurred. The more information you can gather, the more your attorney can use for your case.
However, the number one priority after a motorcycle accident is your safety. Motorcycle accidents can be especially severe, so extreme injuries are unfortunately very common. If you or a loved one was badly injured and/or requires immediate medical attention after an accident, call 911 right away and get treatment first of all.
If you are well enough to stay at the scene, call the police and wait for them to arrive so you can give a statement and ensure they create a report for the accident. You’ll also want to take pictures of the accident scene—including pictures of your injuries, damage to your bike, and anything else that might even be a little relevant.
Also, if anyone witnessed the accident, get their name, contact information, and ask if they’d be willing to give a statement to the police.
And here are two other important points to remember:
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The other party may try to blame you for the accident
Unfair biases against bikers are common. We’ve seen motorcycle accident victims wrongly portrayed as irresponsible or reckless in an effort to place blame. Don’t back down. Be polite after the accident, but never admit blame or apologize for the accident. As a motorcyclist, you deserve to be on the road as much as any other motorist; your rights are just as valid.
Speak with a lawyer as soon as you can. They’ll be able to guide you in the best way so you don’t get taken advantage of just because of what you drive.
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Insurance companies will probably try to lowball you
After the accident, the other party’s insurance company will reach out to you. If you speak to one of their agents, never give a statement over the phone, and never accept any blame for the accident.
Insurance people are trained to be sneaky and get information out of you. For example; they may ask a seemingly innocent question like how you’re feeling. If you sound at all cheerful or try to be polite and say you’re okay, they could use that against you—claiming your injuries aren’t as bad as you claim.
The insurer may also try to offer you money upfront. They know this will be tempting for you, especially since motorcycle accidents can be particularly costly and you may be worried about how you’ll pay your medical bills. But don’t accept the first offer. Even if it seems like a lot of money, it’s nowhere near what you actually deserve—and if you accept it, you’ll destroy your chances of pursuing a fair settlement.
Call a good Canton motorcycle accident lawyer before making any big decision.
Talk to a Canton Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Free
Never suffer through the aftermath of a motorcycle accident alone. At John Foy & Associates, we’re here to guide you through the process—and fight for your rights. And we never take a dime of your money unless we win you money. For a FREE consultation with us today, call us at 404-400-4000, or complete the form to the right.
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