Aiding Motorcycle Accident Victims
As a motorcycle rider, you have to share Indiana streets and highways with other cars and trucks. Warm summers and mild springs and falls make South Bend, Plymouth, Syracuse and other northern Indiana communities ideal areas for riding. When you take your bike out, you wear protective gear and follow proper driving laws and procedures.
Unfortunately, many drivers do not keep a proper lookout for motorcyclists. At Sweeney Julian, each South Bend personal injury attorney on our team knows how to investigate and prepare a motorcycle accident case. We know what evidence is important and how to make sure it is safely secured. We know how to fight to recover damages for the injuries to your body and the damage done to your life.
Fighting The Stigma After A Crash
Most people do not ride motorcycles. They often see inexperienced motorcyclists speeding or engaging in reckless driving. Because of the behavior of this minority group of motorcyclists, some members of the general public have misconceptions about the majority of motorcyclists. They do not understand that most motorcycle accidents are caused by the drivers of automobiles, not the motorcyclists. This is a bias that must be addressed and overcome in any jury trial.
The driver of the car who caused the collision is required by law to have insurance. The driver’s insurance company is going to immediately start an investigation with one goal in mind: to pay the least amount necessary to settle the case. The insurance company will have investigators on the ground within hours of the collision who will take photographs, interview witnesses and try to secure as much physical evidence as possible. In fact, they will usually hire an attorney to represent the wrongdoers’ rights throughout the process, even at trial.
Understanding The Impact Of A Crash
Motorcyclists and their passengers are provided less protection than the occupants of other types of motor vehicles, and because of this, many motorcycle accidents result in devastating injuries to the rider. Common injuries sustained by bikers include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Broken bones
In some cases, motorcycle crashes are fatal.
What To Do After A Motorcycle Accident
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you should be thoroughly examined by a trusted physician as soon after the collision as possible. You want to be truthful and tell your doctor every pain or problem that you are having. You should also have someone you trust take pictures of the cars and the motorcycle involved as well as the accident scene.
When taking pictures of the cars and motorcycle, we recommend ensuring that you take 12 good pictures providing a full 360-degree view of the scene. To do this, simply imagine a large clock face surrounding the vehicles on the scene. You should take pictures from each point on the “clock” – the 12:00 position, the 1:00 position, 2:00 position and so forth. Use the rest of the film roll to take pictures of any destroyed or impacted parts of the cars and motorcycle and the location where the accident occurred.
You should then use a second camera to take pictures of any and all injuries you sustained. Photos can significantly add to the value of your case and could sway the ultimate outcome of your case. For this reason, it is crucial to take as many pictures as possible. When possible, use a film camera.
If you suffered very serious injuries, you should have photos taken by a professional legal photographer for the best possible chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Won’t My Insurance Company Take Care Of Everything?
Your insurance company is almost certainly not going to help you with your case by taking pictures or defending you in any way. This is partially because it is illegal for insurance companies to act as your legal counsel. If an insurance company contacts you after an accident, it is only because its representatives are working to pay you as little as possible.
We Are On Your Side
At Sweeney Julian, we know how to investigate and prepare motorcycle accident cases. We do not represent insurance companies. The insurance companies know us, and we know them. Our lawyers have extensive trial experience and will use this knowledge to present your case to a jury. Speak to our dedicated team today in order to schedule your free case evaluation. Don’t hesitate; call us by dialing 574-889-3411 .