Being on the open road, riding your motorcycle is an amazing feeling. However, each time you start the engine of your favorite machine, you are outing yourself in serious danger. Cars and other vehicles are such a normal part of our lives that we often forget how dangerous it can be sitting behind the wheel.
Unfortunately, accidents happen and people get injured. The important thing is to react in the appropriate manner if you found yourself in this type of predicament. Being the one causing the accident is a serious thing and you will have to face a very difficult situation while taking the responsibility for your action.
Let’s see what you need to keep in mind when something like this happens.
The Reasons Behind Motorcycle Accidents
Even if you’re using all the protective driving methods and tools, the possibility to end up 0n the road accident is still pretty high. After all, we cannot control how other people behave. So, the most common cause of these negative events is negligence.
While you’re driving your motorcycle, it’s important to pay attention to not only traffic around you but to pedestrians as well. Never forget that being involved in these types of situations comes with not only moral but also legal and financial repercussions.
Among the main reasons for motorcycle accidents are bad weather and poor road conditions as well as driving under the influence of alcohol. Also, the fact is that people are less likely to notice motorcycles on the road. So, you as a driver have an even greater responsibility when you sit behind the wheel. The statistics also show that most of these accidents are happening at the crossroads. Make sure you are extra careful when you’re at these locations.
Liability in Bike Accidents
If you’re reckless while driving and you hit someone, you will be responsible in the eyes of the law. As stated by the professionals from Edwards & Patterson law firm, every person that gets hurt due to driver’s careless behavior deserves to get financial compensation for their emotional and physical pain. Lawyers are there to ensure the victims get what they should from insurance companies.
What if You Hurt Someone While Driving the Motorcycle?
Accidents are stressful for people who are involved in them. It doesn’t matter whether you’re the one who made a mistake or a victim, the event of this kind can shake you to your core. Needless to say that the first thing to do, if you’re not injured yourself, is to make sure the person you hit is good and call 911.
Hit and run is very first of all morally wrong but it’s also in many states classified as a felony or a misdemeanor. If you leave the scene of the crash where there is any type of injury to a person, whether the injured party is a pedestrian or an occupant of a vehicle, you will have to face severe penalties. Depending on the nature of the accident, there is also a possibility for a prison punishment. In certain places, a guilty person might have to deal with up to 15 years in prison.
If everybody involved in the crash is not seriously injured, make sure you exchange information with other drivers. This info usually includes names, phone numbers, insurance carriers and agencies, and policy numbers. Another thing you need to remember is to take note of the exact time and location where this event took place.
Also, don’t forget to notify the police. This is a very important step. Filing a police report after an accident will ensure all the important details are documented in the appropriate manner and all the parties involved are protected. In certain states, this step is required by the law. But even if that’s not necessary, calling the police is a good thing as it will be beneficial in the case you have to go to court. Even if it’s only minor damage, notifying authorities is the right thing to do.
After you have notified the police, document the scene yourself. It would be a smart decision to take as many photos of the crash scene as much as possible. This will insure you have evidence of how things really happened and prevent anyone from altering the story in the future. In the end, report the accident to your insurance company.
If you cause an accident and injure someone while riding your motorcycle, it’s important to take all the necessary steps. Make sure all the parties are feeling fine, call 911, and ensure everything is don’t by the law. Take responsibility for your actions.