Motorcycles are more popular today than ever before. Some people ride them as a hobby and others ride them because they can save money on gas. Drivers are now sharing the road with millions of motorcycle enthusiasts everyday which requires each driver to me more aware of the vehicles that are around them. However, as with any type of vehicle there is always a risk of being in an accident. With so many distractions today some people can’t focus on the road and they may fail to see a motorcycle. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident there is a possibility that you may be able to recover damages because of the incident.
The State of Rhode Island has laws in place in order to help motorcyclists stay safe while they are on the road. All riders must obtain the proper licensing and attend specific training courses. Motorcyclists should ride defensively and leave a wide margin for other vehicles to brake and turn. Many people believe that motorcycle accidents are mostly caused by the person on the motorcycle, however, it has been shown that people driving cars are at fault over 50% of the time.
If you are ever in a motorcycle accident there are a few steps that you need to take. First of all, if possible, pull off to the side of the road. If your motorcycle isn’t able to be moved, simply step over to the side of the road. If you are hurt don’t attempt to move to the side of the road. As with motor vehicle accidents, never give out too much information regarding the moments before the accident. Simply give law enforcement officers a copy of your insurance cards and your license. Be sure to answer all questions completely and thoroughly when you are asked by law enforcement. Never admit the accident was your fault. This statement can take away any chance of you being able to file a claim. Also, give all pertinent information to the other driver, and you get their pertinent information as well such as a drivers license number, phone number, address and insurance information.
If someone hasn’t already alerted police of the accident, make sure that the police come to the scene. When the arrive they will begin an accident report and you should be able to pick up a copy a day or two after the accident. Finally, if you are able and have a cell phone available take photographs of the scene. Also, take photographs of the damage to your motorcycle. Photographs and the police report can be shown to a Rhode Island accident attorney if you decide you would like to consult an attorney regarding your injuries.
Speak with your insurance company regarding the accident and give them copies of the information that they require. If you have been injured it would be in your best interest to contact a Rhode Island motorcycle accident attorney for a consultation of your case. Consultations are given for free by most attorneys and if they feel that you have a case, they will be paid through a contingency agreement after settlement of your case. If you have medical records, medical bills,proof of lost wages or anything else that you believe would be vital to your case, bring those items to your consultation. Your attorney will take care of pulling any other information that might be needed including any other medical records from ongoing treatments. You will probably be asked to sign a consent form giving your attorney and his agents the permission to ask for your medical records on your behalf.
During the course of your case you may be contacted by the other driver’s insurance company. They may ask you to give them a recorded statement telling them your account of the accident. Never speak with another insurance company without your attorney present. Advise them that you have retained an attorney and any and all correspondence should be sent to him. Your attorney may call you into his office for you to give a statement over the phone while he is present with you. He will advise you first about what will be happening and what types of questions may be asked. He will tell you to answer truthfully and to the best of your ability.
After all of your medical bills and other related expenses have been tallied up, your attorney will prepare a settlement agreement. The settlement agreement will be sent to the other driver’s insurance carrier with a settlement number. The settlement number will be set fairly high so your case can be negotiated
When you hire an experienced Rhode Island motorcycle accident attorney, he will work to get the settlement that you deserve. This includes any lost wages, current treatment and future treatment of injuries sustained in the accident, past medical expenses such as ambulance bills or emergency room bills, and any other expenses you may have incurred.
