What to do if You are in a Motorcycle Accident

If you or someone you care about has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Monroe Union County, or anywhere else in North Carolina, the last thing on your mind is whether you have enough evidence to prove your case in court. Indeed, the amount of pain and financial setbacks a motorcycle accident can cause to the injured and his or her loved ones is huge. Motorcycle claims are unique and each case is as different as the parties involved in the crash. Whether the cause of your Monroe Union County motorcycle accident was due to another driver’s negligence, mechanical failure, or some other factor, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC. We will make sure to fight for the monetary compensation you deserve.

No matter how severe your injuries may be, if you are involved in a Monroe Union County motorcycle accident, you need to make sure you take the appropriate steps to preserve your case. The steps you take right after a motorcycle accident often determine how much monetary compensation you will receive, or if you will receive any whatsoever. Below are several things you should do, or someone should help you do, immediately following a motorcycle accident:

• Get medical attention first: Health and safety is of utmost importance following any type of accident, and motorcycle crashes are no exception. If you are injured, or someone else is, seek medical attention immediately;
• Contact local authorities: You are required under the law to report most traffic-related accidents. If you are in a motorcycle accident, law enforcement should be contacted right away;
• Collect information: Make sure to gather as much information as possible from every person involved in the motorcycle accident. Important data that should be obtained right away include names, contact information, insurance details, driver’s license numbers, as well as vehicle descriptions (including make, model and license plate numbers);
• Reach out to witnesses: It is important that you approach anyone who witnessed the motorcycle accident because you may later need him or her to testify as to what was seen. Get witnesses’ names and detailed contact information;
• Contact a personal injury lawyer: Once all the above has been done, immediately reach out to a Monroe Union County personal injury attorney. A skilled and experienced attorney can explain your options under the law.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the following statistical trends occurred in 2016:

• As many as 5,286 motorcyclists killed. This is a 5.1% increase from the 5,029 motorcyclists killed in 2015.
• Motorcyclist fatalities occurred nearly 28 times more frequently than passenger car occupant fatalities in traffic crashes, when compared on per-vehicle miles traveled;
• 27% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were riding without valid motorcycle licenses.
• Motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were found to have the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers than any other vehicle types. The percentages were as follows: 25% for motorcycles, 21% for passenger cars, 20% for light trucks, and 2% for large trucks;
• 37% of motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle car crashes were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash;
• Motorcycle riders killed in traffic crashes at night were three times more frequently alcohol-impaired than those killed during the day;

There are several things that you can do to help protect yourself when riding a motorcycle and increase your safety. These include always wearing a helmet when you or a passenger rides a motorcycle, never drinking and riding on a motorcycle by yourself or with another rider, and making sure you and any passengers are wearing the correct protective clothing.

The NHTSA estimates that helmets saved 1,859 motorcyclists’ lives. If further estimates that another 802 lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets. 25% of motorcycles involved in fatal accidents in 2016 had been drinking before going on a ride. Knowing your equipment, wearing the right protective gear, and riding within your skill will help avoid accidents.

If you or someone you care about was injured in a Monroe Union County motorcycle accident, do not wait to contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC. Our skilled attorneys will explain your options under the law and will develop a powerful personal injury claim to help you get the compensation you deserve.