Know what to do in the event of a motorcycle crash and contact a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible.
According to data gathered by the Texas Department of Transportation, over 3,700 people are killed each year in motorcycle accidents.
In fact, many Texas news outlets have discovered that fatalities and injuries from motorcycle crashes are on the rise.
However, many motorcyclists just can’t give up the feeling of freedom and excitement that comes with riding. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s important that you act quickly in order to make sure you’re legally protected.
Often, this means contacting a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible.
In this post, we’re offering you an in-depth motorcycle accident checklist, so that you can be sure you won’t forget a crucial step.
If you’ve just been involved in a motorcycle crash, you’ll likely be too shocked (or in too much pain) to think about what you should do next.
That’s why it’s important to be sure that, if the worst does happen, you’re prepared ahead of time. Of course, the first thing you need to do is get either your vehicle or your motorcycle off the road and call the police or an ambulance.
You’ll also need to collect information about the other driver. Be sure you get:
If you’re lucky, you’ll also have been able to secure a witness on the scene. If possible, ask the witness to take photos and videos of the accident and send them to you. (Of course, if you’re physically able, you can do this yourself.) Do not neglect to photograph any injuries.
Also, be sure to get the witnesses’ contact information.
When an officer arrives on the scene, be sure to take down:
All of this information is crucial for your case and will be useful to your motorcycle accident attorney.
When you leave the scene of the accident, it’s highly likely that you’ll need some form of medical care.
It’s also the time when you should contact a motorcycle accident attorney.
This is where keeping even more detailed records becomes incredibly important. The more information you give your attorney, the better they’ll be able to help you. The same goes for your insurance company.
Make sure you keep track of:
If possible, it’s best to avoid contacting your insurance company until you speak with your motorcycle accident attorney.
The reason for this?
Often after an accident, an insurance company will try to tempt you with a fast settlement. However, this quick resolution means that you’ll likely end up getting far less than you deserve.
When you file your claim, your attorney will help you to seek reimbursement for:
Your attorney will also help you to establish liability, which can prove that you were not the one at fault for the accident.
In the state of Texas, there are several legal insurance requirements for those wishing to drive a motorcycle.
Most of all, you’ll need to establish that you have proof of financial responsibility.
According to the Texas DMV, your minimum liability insurance requirements are:
If you don’t want to purchase motorcycle insurance in Texas, you can also show your proof of financial responsibility by:
Keep in mind too, that there are lots of different vehicles that the state of Texas classifies as motorcycles.
These include:
So, what happens if you don’t have motorcycle insurance and you’re in an accident?
As you can imagine, you’ll be faced with steep fines, not to mention having to cover the costs of any injuries or claims out of your own pocket.
For first-time offenders (whether you’re in an accident or simply caught without insurance) you’ll pay a $350 fine. You’ll also have to pay any court fees that arise from the incident, and you’ll be given a traffic ticket.
If you’re classified as a repeat offender, the fines increase. Sometimes, you’ll have to pay as much as $1,000. Plus, your driver’s license could be suspended for up to two years.
The takeaway here?
Always make sure you have motorcycle insurance. If you’ve been caught without it, make sure you contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, we know you feel overwhelmed. However, especially if you’ve been seriously injured, you likely won’t be able to handle everything on your own.
You need the help of an experienced attorney.
That’s where we come in.
Get in touch with us today to schedule a free consultation. We’ve handled hundreds of injury claims, and we’re ready to fight for you. You need someone you can trust who will fight for you while you’re in recovery.
Don’t leave anything up to chance. Instead, leave it in our hands.
