Riding season is finally here and motorcycles are hitting the streets of North Texas. Unfortunately that also means there will be an increase in motorcycle accidents.
I’m currently representing several men who were seriously injured while riding. One case is going to trial soon. Fighting for the rights of motorcycle riders is one of the only areas of law I practice and I’ve been doing this for over 33 years. Since May is national Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, I wanted to discuss this serious topic and give some tips to motorcycle riders on what they should do if they are involved in a crash.
This could easily happen. In Texas 460 lives were lost and in the U.S. 4,612 people were killed as the result of motorcycle accidents. That’s a horrible statistic.
What should you do if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident?
1. Call 911. It’s critical to get medical treatment and to document that another driver is at fault.
2. Don’t worry about your bike. Your health is much more important. Allow it to be towed. Don’t try to ride it home, since you don’t know what damage was done to it.
3. Gather evidence (if you are able). Take photos of the scene of the accident and obtain the names and contact information of the other driver and witnesses to the collision.
4. Say as little to the other parties as possible.
5. Provide the police accurate information about the accident but don’t admit fault, even partially. Make sure a written police report is filed. We’ll get it for you at no charge.
6. Go to the emergency room or a doctor ASAP. The longer you wait to get treatment, the harder it will be to recover for your injuries.
7. Tell your doctor about any pain you may be feeling. If you fail to report an injury, it will be difficult to recover for it later.
8.Take photographs of your bike, the location of the accident and of your injuries, including road rash, swelling, lacerations or abrasions.
9. If you report the claim to your or the other driver’s insurance company, be careful what you say. Insurance companies are not on your side. Never give a recorded statement to an insurance company without first consulting with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.
10. Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer for a free consultation as to your rights.
If you or someone that you know have been injured in a motorcycle accident, please call us at 817-885-8000 or toll free at 1-888-801-8585 or email us