Real Estate Law Misconceptions

You already know that your motorcycle is nothing like a car, so it shouldn't surprise you that motorcycle accidents are nothing like car accidents. Motorcyclists have no protection between themselves and the road. If the driver of a car taps another car while going 20 miles an hour the other car isn't going to crash - your motorcycle will. The potential for serious injury or death is always there when you're driving a vehicle, but a motorcyclist is simply at more risk.

If another vehicle hits your motorcycle and you end up injured, do you know what to do?

Stay Still And Get Medical Attention

The adrenaline your body produces during an accident can mask signs of serious injury. If your motorcycle went down hard, don't move. You could have nerve damage or internal injuries that can be made worse if you move around too much. Wait on an ambulance and allow yourself to be taken to the hospital for an evaluation. This is not the time to brush off your injuries or brave it out.

Don't Give Any More Information Than Necessary

When you're at the hospital, don't volunteer information about the accident. Giving details about the accident while you are in pain, on painkillers, or simply shaken up could damage any potential lawsuit that you have against the other driver, if he or she was at fault.

Accidents can happen so quickly and are so traumatic that it can take a while for you to actually remember the details - if you ever do! You don't want a doctor or nurse to make notes in your medical record about the accident because the notes are likely to be incomplete or inaccurate. 

Co-operate With Your Doctors

At this point, co-operate fully with your doctors at the hospital. He or she may want to run tests, like x-rays or CAT scans to look for hidden injuries.

Regardless of your financial situation or medical insurance coverage you need to let the doctors run any tests they think are necessary. Your health is your primary concern; the hospital bills can be dealt with later through insurance or a legal claim.

Call A Friend Or Relative And Ask Him Or Her To Bring A Camera

If you don't already have a friend or relative with you at the hospital, call one. Ask him or her her to bring a camera, or at least a cell phone that's capable of taking photos. 

You want to document any visible injuries as soon as possible, because they may become useful in a personal injury lawsuit later.

Don't Talk To Insurance Adjusters Until You Talk To An Attorney

If you have an extended stay in the hospital, expect an insurance adjuster to track you down. Adjusters often call, but it isn't unheard of to have an adjuster from an opposing party's insurance company actually come to a motorcycle accident victim's hospital room.

The adjuster will ask if he or she can get a statement from you about the accident. No matter how much you are tempted to say what you believe happened, don't. Don't sign any medical release forms either.

Instead, tell the adjuster that you'll be in contact in a few days, when you are feeling better. That way you have time to consult a motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your situation.

Motorcycle laws and insurance coverage for motorcycle accidents vary greatly from state to state. If you ride a motorcycle, and you're in an accident that another driver causes, don't assume that his or her insurance company will cover your medical bills, pay damages, or get your motorcycle fixed. Contact an attorney as soon as you are physically able.