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Motorcycles offer riders freedom and an opportunity to experience the outdoors in a unique way. However, motorcycle accidents are common, and they can result in devastating injuries or death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists in the United States are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than those in a car. In fact, in 2019 alone, motorcycle accidents in the U.S. injured 84,000 people and killed 5,014 riders.
If you are involved in a crash involving a motorcycle, it’s essential to find a motorcycle accident lawyer with the most experience and knowledge in dealing with this situation.
Let’s first dig a little deeper into the causes of motorcycle accidents.
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents relate to the behavior of the drivers. This includes:
Nearly half of the motorcyclists killed in crashes were impaired by alcohol. Injuries are often more severe than those in car crashes due to the smaller size of the motorcycle relative to other vehicles. Motorcycles are simply harder to see than cars. Other factors are the lack of a protective cage around the motorcyclist and the absence of seat belts and airbags.
So, if the worst happens and you need to file a motorcycle accident claim, what do you need to know?
Any collision involves stress and filing a claim or initiating a lawsuit adds to that stress. It can be a complicated process, so it’s vital to know how to file a motorcycle accident claim before taking any action.
To meet the accident reporting laws in Mississippi (requirements on scene §63-3-401 to 63-3-409, and police notification report §63-3-411 to 63-3-417):
DPS will determine that drivers involved in an accident were carrying the minimum amount of car insurance required by the state. Fines or suspension of a license may be imposed if drivers fail to have the requisite amount of insurance, in addition to facing any results due to the current accident.
Your insurance company needs to be notified, ideally within 24 hours. However, to protect your rights, let a lawyer handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf. An attorney will study the evidence in your case, determine liability and damages, negotiate with your insurance company, answer all your questions, and be your advocate for the best possible settlement.
Settlements depend on a number of factors:
The amount of the settlement and compensation may also be affected by the amount of insurance coverage available, the amount of fault attributed to each party, and the jurisdiction in which the case is being litigated.
Make sure you have representation from a law firm that is experienced in dealing with motorcycle accident claims. Contact The Law Offices of David L. Sullivan for a consultation and expert advice today. Let us be your motorcycle accident attorneys!