Motorcycling, especially in Seattle may be a wet affair, but that doesn’t stop thousands of motorcyclists from hitting the road every year. Unfortunately, while many car accident victims can escape their accidents unharmed, motorcyclists are not so lucky. Motorcycles do not offer riders any protection. As such, when a motor vehicle hits a motorcyclist (even at low speeds) it is the motorcyclist who sustains the majority of the injuries. These injuries are usually life changing, catastrophic and can lead to serious long-term disability and pain.
If you or someone you love is injured in a motorcycle accident, the steps you take in the immediate aftermath can help you obtain the compensation you need to fully recover.
#1 – Prepare Ahead of Time: No motorcyclist ever believes that he or she will be injured in an accident, but the sad truth is that many will. Before an accident even occurs, it is important to have the name and number of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in your wallet. This can ensure that you are able to contact an attorney immediately—even while still hospitalized. In addition, give your chosen attorney’s name and number to family members and friends and instruct them to call your lawyer in the event you are injured severely in motorcycling accident.
#2 – Call the Police: Every accident is supposed to be reported to the authorities. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, a police report is necessary to help establish negligence. Be sure to have the police file a complete report at the scene of the accident.
#3 – Seek Medical Attention: Even if you believe that you are unharmed, it is best to be examined by a doctor or health care professional. Soft tissue injuries, brain injuries, and back and neck injuries can take hours to days to become fully realized. Early diagnosis and treatment is critical to avoiding life-threatening complications and a delay in medical treatment could be deadly.
#4 – Gather Evidence: if you are able, snap a few pictures of the accident scene, the damage to your motorcycle, the damage to the other vehicle, tire tracks, and more. Get the names and numbers of any eyewitnesses who could corroborate your story. Be sure to exchange insurance information with the other driver.
#5 – Avoid Motorcycle Repair: While you may be dying to get back on your bike, avoid repairing your motorcycle until you have spoken to a personal injury attorney. Your attorney may need to review the damage or use the damaged tires to establish your case. Repairing your bike prematurely could destroy valuable evidence your attorney needs to build your lawsuit.
Contact Seattle Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Attorneys
If a negligent driver injures you or someone you love, an experienced Seattle motorcycle accident attorney at Phillips Law Firm can help. If you are interested in learning more about your legal options, call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our Seattle personal injury lawsuit attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.
The personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Firm have successfully represented injured individuals and their families in Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Auburn, Renton, Federal Way, Bellingham, Marysville, Lakewood, Redmond, Shoreline, and throughout the State of Washington.
