Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Richmond

More than 188,000 motorcycles are registered in Virginia, and many motorcyclists routinely ride in areas around Richmond. Whether you are riding a motorcycle at a high speed on an interstate like I-64 or I-95, or on a downtown street in Richmond, it is important to know that collisions happen and can result in severe injuries. Like other motorists in cars or light trucks or SUVs, motorcyclists must carry minimum insurance amounts, as well as uninsured/underinsured bodily injury coverage, which can be extremely important for motorcyclists given how serious many motorcycle injuries are.

Although many motorcycle crashes are single-vehicle collisions, many motorcycle accidents involve at least one other vehicle. And even in some single-vehicle crashes, another motorist or another party may still be liable for injuries. In order to be eligible to seek compensation after a motorcycle accident, what steps do you need to take? Consider the following tips from our Richmond motorcycle accident attorneys.

Collect Information at the Scene of the Crash if You Can

 If you are able to do so — if your injuries are not severe enough to prevent you — it is important to collect as much information as you can at the scene of the motorcycle crash. As Consumer Affairs underscores, the number of fatal motorcycle crashes is 24 times the rate of fatal car crashes, so motorcycle collisions tend to result in severe injuries. However, if you can, take photographs at the scene of the motorcycle accident, and obtain the names and contact information for any witnesses to the accident.

Obtain Medical Care 

Given the severity of motorcycle accidents, it is usually critical to obtain immediate medical attention for your injuries. Yet even if you think you have sustained only more minor injuries like road rash, it is still crucial to have a health care provider assess you for issues like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and internal bleeding.

Report the Accident to Your Insurer 

You will need to report the motorcycle accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.

Discuss Your Case with a Motorcycle Accident Attorney 

As soon as you can, it is important to get in touch with a motorcycle accident lawyer to determine your best course of action for obtaining compensation to cover your losses. You may be able to obtain compensation fully through an insurance claim, but given the seriousness of many motorcycle crashes, a civil lawsuit is often necessary. You will have only two years from the date of your crash to file a motorcycle accident lawsuit. Accordingly, you should begin working with an attorney on your case as soon as possible to ensure that you have sufficient time to go through the insurance claims process and to file your lawsuit on time.

 Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Richmond

If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in or around Richmond, it is essential to take important steps after the collision so that you can be eligible to file a claim for compensation. If you have any questions or need assistance, one of the experienced Richmond motorcycle accident lawyers at Latham & Martin can speak with you today. Whether you are planning to file an insurance claim or a motorcycle accident lawsuit, we are here to help you with your case. Contact us today for more information.

Sources:

consumeraffairs.com/insurance/motorcycle-accident-statistics.html

statista.com/statistics/191002/number-of-registered-motorcycles-in-the-us-by-state/

law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title8.01/chapter4/#:~:text=Unless%20otherwise%20provided%20in%20this,the%20cause%20of%20action%20accrues