Motorcyclists Have A Bad Reputation — But They Shouldn’t
When compared with drivers of regular cars, motorcyclists are five times more likely to suffer an injury while driving. They are 25 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash. In light of such figures, it is clear that motorcycling is a risky undertaking.
But what makes motorcycling so risky? The answer isn’t as obvious as it may seem. Namely, many assume that motorcyclists are born risk-takers, apt to ignore safety measures, and that if they crash, it is a result of their own recklessness. The numbers, however, don’t bear this out. Rather, it seems the overwhelming majority of motorcycle crashes are caused by other drivers on the road.
When Insurers Try To Underpay
Unfortunately, insurance companies continue to blame the motorcyclists. After an accident, insurers do everything within their power to establish that it was the motorcyclist who was ultimately at fault. Of course, this is little more than an attempt by the insurers to avoid paying out injury claims.
To counteract insurers, there are a number of ways motorcyclists can strengthen their claims. In these efforts, I can help. Serving in Easton and throughout Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, I have dedicated my practice as a lawyer to assisting individuals of motor vehicle accidents as they strive to obtain the compensation they need to recover.
How To Maximize Your Claim
With more than 35 years of experience, I have assembled a short list of small steps motorcyclists should follow in order to support their insurance claims:
- Never admit fault — First and foremost, do not admit liability. This is the surest way to forfeit your claims to compensation.
- Contact the police — Police reports are essential in establishing objective accounts of damage to both individuals and property.
- Document the scene — To the extent possible, take note — and photographs — of the road conditions, the weather, speed limits, and other vehicles involved.
- Establish evidence — Likewise, it is crucial to speak with witnesses around the scene and gather information from any other drivers. Smartphones, or any phone with a camera application, are useful in such scenarios.
- Get medical help — A doctor’s corroboration of your injuries is necessary to assemble any injury claim. As such, it is important to seek medical treatment and closely follow prescribed treatment regimens.
Legal Support When You Most Need It
If you would like to speak with an Easton motorcycle accident attorney about your case, please reach out to my firm. You can call the Law Offices of Edward P. Shaughnessy at 610-258-9955. You can also contact us online.
