Motorcyclists enjoy the same freedom to ride the open road as those who travel in cars, vans, or trucks. Because they do not have thousands of pounds of metal protecting them, and because their profile is smaller, their risk of serious injury or death is much greater. Perhaps it should come as no surprise that motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a collision than standard car passengers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 5,700 motorcyclists were fatally injured in collisions throughout 2018. Thousands of others suffered serious injuries that resulted in the loss of work hours and significant medical expenses. Motorcyclists have the same rights, however, to be properly compensated for the negligence or carelessness of operators of other vehicles. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is time to consult a knowledgeable legal professional.
Steps to Securing Compensation
After suffering injuries in a motorcycle collision, the first step you need to take is to seek medical attention for any and all injuries suffered. Due to the lack of protection a motorcyclist has while riding, injuries can be significant and medical treatment should be a top priority. After receiving any necessary medical procedures, it is time to think about compensation for any injuries suffered or damages to your motorcycle. If the other driver involved in the accident was at fault, you may be entitled to significant injury compensation. He or she may have driven while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or was distracted or drowsy, which could have impaired his or her vision and reaction time, thus causing the crash. It should be noted that even if you believe that you were partially in the wrong, you may still be able to secure partial compensation for damages and injuries suffered in the accident.
Due to the negative stigma related to motorcyclists, the other driver’s insurance company may attempt to blame you for the accident. It is important to find an attorney who will stand up to the insurance company and fight for your rights. A good attorney will search for as much evidence as possible to ensure you are properly compensated, including gathering police reports and photos, obtaining video or audio footage from investigating officers, obtaining 911 calls, obtaining surveillance footage (if available) of the scene, obtaining witness statements, hiring reconstruction engineers (if necessary), and finding as much insurance coverage as possible. Some insurance companies will wrongfully claim that the failure to wear a helmet should reduce compensation, but the laws of the state of Wisconsin clearly prohibit this defense. A good attorney will also assist in properly documenting all injuries and damages for which victims are entitled to be compensated.
Contact an Appleton Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
At Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., our firm is here to help those individuals who are injured in any type of motor vehicle collision. If you are a motorcyclist, your injuries can be long-lasting and affect your ability to work. While it can be challenging to secure full compensation in a motorcycle accident case, we will do everything in our power to ensure that your family receives the financial support you need and deserve. To schedule a complimentary initial consultation with a knowledgeable Green Bay, WI personal injury attorney, call our office today at 920-739-7366.
Source:
https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-motorcycle-crashes#:~:text=In%202017%2C%205%2C172%20motorcyclists%20died,crash%20per%20vehicle%20mile%20traveled.