Motorcycle Accidents

If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle accident, the attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are here to help. We understand the immense amount of pain and setbacks these accidents can cause, not to mention the mounting medical bills and uncertainty. Motorcycle claims are unique and every situation is different. Whether your accident was due to a mechanical failure or another driver’s negligence, contact the experienced attorneys of Arnold & Smith, PLLC to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Our firm will investigate your accident and explain the entire process as our attorneys fiercely advocate on your behalf. Timing is critical when it comes to filing claims or dealing with insurance companies, so don’t hesitate—contact Arnold & Smith today.

What Should I do if I’m in a Motorcycle Accident?

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, regardless of the severity, the last thing on your mind is whether you have sufficient evidence to present to an insurance company or a court. Nevertheless, the steps you take immediately following a motorcycle accident often determine whether or not you receive compensation for your injuries and property damage. As result, it is critical that you take the following steps in the wake of any accident.

1. Seek medical attention immediately and contact the proper authorities. Your health and safety is the number one concern, so if you are injured, seek medical attention promptly. You are also required by law to report most vehicular accidents, so you should contact the police if you are involved in a motorcycling accident.
2. Gather information. Be sure to gather as much information as possible from everyone involved in the accident. Important information includes: names, contact information, insurance information, vehicle descriptions, and drivers’ license numbers.
3. Approach witnesses. You may end up needing a witness to provide testimony regarding an accident. As such, it is important that you approach anyone who may have witnessed the accident and obtain their contact information. Be sure to get names and detailed contact information.
4. Contact an attorney. The next step is to contact an attorney. The experienced attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC will explain your options and lay a strong foundation for any claims you may need to make. Our firm will also continue to gather evidence and investigate the accident to ensure all of your bases are covered.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released a study of empirical data on motorcycle accidents occurring from 1999-2009. The study revealed some interesting trends and statistics, including:

• While the amount of people injured in all automotive crashes has decreased since 1999, the number of motorcyclists injured has increased by 110%.
• Around 85% of injured motorcyclists are male while 15% are female.
• Motorcyclists between the ages of 20 and 29 accounted for the largest number of accidents resulting in injury.
• Around 10% of accidents resulting in injury involved alcohol.
• About 60% of accidents occur during the daytime.
• The majority of accidents resulting in injury occur between April and September.

Increasing Your Motorcycling Safety

There are a number of ways you can protect yourself by practicing safe motorcycling.

• Always wear a helmet. In 2005, helmets saved 1,546 motorcyclists from death. If all riders had worn helmets, that number would have increased by 728 lives. Use of a helmet is proven to increase the likelihood of survival by 37% for what would otherwise be a fatal accident.
• Never drink and ride. In 2005, 35% of motorcyclists involved in fatal accidents had been drinking. The number increases dramatically for single-vehicle crashes on weekend nights—61% of all fatal crashes involved alcohol.
• Wear the correct protective clothing , know your equipment, and ride within your skill.

Contact an Attorney Today

If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycling accident, don’t hesitate to contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC today. Our experienced attorneys will explain your options and develop a powerful claim to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Additional Motorcycle Accident Resources

• NHTSA’s Motorcycle Traffic Safety Facts
• NHTSA’s Research Note on Motorcycling Injuries
• NC Department of Transportation’s Motorcycling Handbook

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