‘What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?’
When you need motorcycle accident advice in West Virginia, come to Bailey Legal Services. Riding motorbikes can be more dangerous than driving a car. Running over things like wet pavement and small objects can cause a fatal accident. Have you recently suffered a motorbike accident and aren’t sure what to do next? Bailey Legal Services can help guide you in the right direction.
Let us offer you some motorcycle accident advice. First, we will explain the common causes of these accidents. We will then provide safety steps to take to prevent accidents from happening again. Finally, we will tell you how to claim compensation from uninsured and underinsured motorcyclists. Bailey Legal Services is proud to educate clients on motorcycle accident advice.
Here Are Some Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
In West Virginia, motorcycle accidents occur for various reasons. Drivers in the Mountain State are responsible for sharing the road and avoiding accidents with motorcyclists and other drivers. Failing to see a motorcycle is not an excuse for any driver in the state of West Virginia. Below are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:
Distracted Drivers: Multi-tasking while driving is an all-too-common occurrence among drivers today. Distracted drivers pose a threat to everyone sharing the road. Common distractions include texting, talking on a cell phone, and operating a GPS.
Reckless Drivers: Weaving between vehicles, tailgating, and more are common examples of reckless driving that can cause motorbike accidents. Driving erratically on the street puts drivers, pedestrians, and other motorcyclists at risk.
Speeding Drivers: When drivers speed, they often don’t have the space to stop safely. Speeding drivers put motorcyclists at risk by not paying attention to the road at all times. As a result, speeding drivers sometimes crash into motorcycles and cause fatalities.
You Can Prevent Accidents from Occurring Before They Happen
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that 80 percent of motorcycle crashes result in severe injury or death. This staggering statistic makes it all the more important to follow these steps in keeping motorcyclists safe on the road:
Gear up: Wear long pants and sleeves made of thick material. As the weather changes, don’t forget to add layers and invest in heavier equipment.
Be seen: Wear bright colors and add reflective elements to your clothing and bike. Be sure to ride in the section of the road that is most visible to motorists.
Wear a Helmet: Without head and face protection, you are twice as likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to replace your motorcycle helmet every three to five years.
Be Alert: Texting motorists are a real danger, so be ready for sudden lane changes and swerves. Watch out for potholes, railroad tracks, and other road hazards on your bike.
How Can I Claim Compensation from Uninsured Motorcyclists?
If your insurance policy covers accidents caused by uninsured motorcyclists, the claims process is relatively straightforward. If your insurance doesn’t cover it, and the accountable party lacks sufficient coverage, you can recover both insurances amounts. This process may be challenging to understand, especially if it’s something you’ve never seen before.
Our lawyer, Michael Bailey, can explain this process in a clear way to you. After speaking with him, talk to your insurance company about how claiming this compensation can benefit you. Our law office is here to help you understand what you’re going through and how to navigate it properly.
In 2019, 5,014 motorcyclists died in accidents in the United States, according to the West Virginia Department of Transportation. Motorcyclist deaths accounted for 14 percent of total highway fatalities throughout the country. If you look at West Virginia, 11 percent of highway deaths were motorcyclists. Our law firm is committed to helping eliminate this statistic.
Trust Bailey Legal Services for the Best Legal Help in West Virginia
If you need help on what to do next after a motorbike accident, call Bailey Legal Services today. Our lawyer draws on his experience dealing with personal injury cases of all types to your case. We can help you understand West Virginia’s laws, the statute of limitations, and much more. Our law firm believes that every case presents its own situation, and strives to handle it the right way. We will carefully manage every detail of your claim.
Bailey Legal Services has served West Virginia residents for many years. Residents throughout the Mountain State trust our experience with personal injury cases and more. We use our expertise to fight for your rights and get the compensation you deserve. For more information about our personal injury service, and more contact us during regular business hours.
Call Bailey Legal Services at (304)-736-0801. Follow us on Facebook for future updates and stay in touch through email or our contact page. You can talk to our lawyer during regular business hours to learn more about motorcycle accident advice in West Virginia.
