Charleston Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Motorcyclists and their riders have far less protection than vehicle passengers. This lack of protection puts them at risk for long-term and debilitating injuries when they’re involved in an accident. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can take significant stress off your plate by helping you hold the at-fault parties accountable. At Query Sautter & Associates, LLC, we have years of experience crafting compelling claims for our clients and securing appropriate compensation for their injuries.
Types of Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents
Other than helmets, motorcyclists have few protections and will often sustain more severe injuries in an accident. Even if the rider isn’t injured from the accident, they could be injured from colliding with the road.
Some common types of injuries motorcyclists suffer include:
- Road rash
- Nerve damage
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Severe abrasions
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord trauma
- Complete or partial paralysis
- Facial fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Amputations
- Fatal injuries
Several of these common injuries can be avoided by following some basic best practices, such as wearing a helmet, avoiding reckless behavior, and never riding while intoxicated.
The significance of liability and damages is essential when pursuing these types of claims, and you must consider the degree of responsibility the other driver or drivers hold in causing the accident, as well as the severity of the damages you have suffered, to determine the value of your claim.
What You Should Do After a Motorcycle Collision
Knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident can help protect your rights and determine whether you receive the compensation you deserve for what you have suffered.
Follow these steps to file an effective claim:
Report the Accident and Call 911
Even if you don’t feel as though you’ve been injured, you should call 911 to report the accident. Some injuries can take hours or even days to become apparent, so seeking prompt medical care after an accident is essential. When law enforcement arrives, they will generate a police report with details of the crash. This report can serve as evidence in your personal injury claim.
Exchange Information
Obtain the driver’s name, phone number, details of their vehicle, address, insurance company name, policy, and number. You should also take this time to gather phone numbers and testimonials from any witnesses.
Document Details of the Accident
It is important to remember that the police report doesn’t determine the outcome of an injury case, which is why it’s so crucial to document every detail of what happened in the accident. Be sure to take pictures of all vehicles involved in the accident, the surrounding environment, your injuries, and any defects in the road that may have contributed to the accident. You should also take notes about what happened in the accident.
Seek Medical Attention
While your injuries may not be immediately apparent, scheduling a physical examination with a medical professional trained to recognize more severe injuries like a concussion or whiplash is important. If you plan on filing a personal injury claim, your medical record can serve as essential evidence.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Retaining a lawyer would be in your best interest before you report the accident to the insurance company. Your lawyer can guide you through the legal process, inform you of your rights, and help you pursue maximum damages.
Keep All Accident-Related Records
Assemble copies of all records and receipts from the accident. This may include the police report, your medical records, notes from the accident scene, notes on conversations you’ve had with the insurance company, and vehicle repair estimates. This documentation will be important and help strengthen your case for compensation if you end up pursuing a personal injury claim.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Charleston? Choose Query Sautter & Associates
Our motorcycle accident attorneys at Query Sautter & Associates understand how uncertain and scary everything feels after an accident. Motorcycle accident victims often find it impossible to cope with the stress of mounting bills, lost income, and dealing with their injuries and rehabilitation. Let our lawyers take the burden off your shoulders by handling the legal claim process from start to finish. Get in touch with one of our skilled motorcycle accident lawyers by calling 843-795-9500 or by filling out our online intake form.