Do you love riding your motorcycle in the Lehigh Valley? No matter where you go, you never fail to see motorcycles enjoying all that the region offers. Riding is dangerous even for the most experienced of motorcyclists. So, what should you do if you are ever involved in a motorcycle accident in the Lehigh Valley? We take a look at the answer in today’s post.
Total Compensation For A Totaled Motorcycle
According to the U.S. Government Accounting Office, motorcycle crashes lead to more than $16 billion yearly in direct costs. It is not difficult to understand why. There are more than 85,000 motorcycle accidents in an average year, and those involved face expenses for emergency services, medical costs, property damage, lost wages, insurance costs, and attorneys’ fees.
The priority after an accident is to make sure that, to the extent possible, victims recuperate fully. But there are other important considerations as well. Many find that, following a crash, they cannot obtain compensation to repair or replace their motorcycle.
To this end, I can help. For more than 35 years, I have assisted individuals in Easton and throughout Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley in their efforts to maximize their insurance compensation following motor vehicle accidents. As an attorney, it is my mission to see that my clients can pay not only for their own recovery but also for any property damage they suffer.
How To Receive Payment For Repairs After A Crash
Stay At the Scene Following a Motorcycle Accident in Lehigh Valley
It’s important that you remain at the scene following an accident, especially if you’ve been injured. You will want emergency responders to treat you at the scene before being transported to a local hospital. You should never leave the accident scene, even if you were not at fault.
Take Your Own Pictures
The surest means to obtain compensation for costs of repair or replacement is to immediately document the damage to your motorcycle. It is crucial to take photographs of any scrapes, dents, and broken parts (shocks, pegs, wheels, mirrors, etc.). Such evidence is key to obtaining a favorable settlement or, when necessary, winning at trial.
Don’t Deny Medical Attention
Do not deny medical attention. This is not just for the paramedics, EMTs, and firefighters who examine you at the scene. This involves going to the hospital. If you have the opportunity to be transported, take it. You never know if an injury will begin to show hours after the crash.
Get Witness Statements
If you are injured badly, you can speak with the police and witnesses about what happened. Write down the contact information for the witnesses. Be sure that you never admit fault to anyone at the crash scene, as this can put a wrench in your legal plans.
Make note of the road conditions, time of day, weather, direction of travel, and anything else pertinent to the accident. This information will help your attorney when putting together your claim.
Getting An Estimate
Insurers often have repair shops that they work with. But you shouldn’t feel constrained to use them. Indeed, insurers often work with repair shops that do the job cheaply but don’t necessarily do quality work. By law, you are entitled to choose your own mechanic. What’s most important is that you use a repair shop that you trust.
If you own a vintage motorcycle or have had custom work done on your motorcycle, it is advisable to consult with a specialist who can perform an accurate appraisal.
Replacement
If your motorcycle is deemed unsalvageable — or if the cost of repairs exceeds the vehicle’s appraised value — your insurer may be compelled to pay to replace your motorcycle. In such cases, an insurance appraiser will try to determine the value of your vehicle. It is common for them to undervalue your motorcycle.
This is where a lawyer can be important. Namely, an attorney knows how to negotiate with insurers and will work hard to ensure that you are adequately compensated for your loss.
Protecting Your Interests
If you would like help assessing how much your motorcycle accident claim is worth, contact a Lehigh Valley motorcycle accident attorney at our firm. You can call the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy at 610-258-9955. You can also arrange an appointment online.
Initial consultations are free. I don’t collect payment until a case is won, and I am upfront about any and all costs associated with my clients’ matters.
