Seeking Compensation for a Deceased Motorcyclist
Motorcycle accidents are common in the United States. Many motorcycle accidents are fatal. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that almost 5,000 motorcyclists succumb to crashes annually. Whereas motorcyclists may observe all safety precautions, they remain victims of accidents from reckless motorists.
Many people are only aware of appropriate actions that they may take following motorcycle accidents. However, they are uninformed about available legal options should their loved ones suffer fatal injuries when riding motorcycles. Unfortunately, the lack of information means that many people do not seek damages for their family members. Thus, it is essential to review important tips that families should consider should they lose a motorcyclist.
Request an Official Medical Report
Following an accident, motorcyclists are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention to ensure timely treatment of potential injuries. Ambulatory care is essential even when the motorcyclists do not have any external injuries. Besides seeking medical assessment for safety reasons, obtaining a doctor's medical report is vital when pursuing damages. Specifically, a motorcycle accident attorney might use the medical report to highlight the accident's severity. In case a motorcyclist succumbs to injuries, the family members should request medical reports or a postmortem to strengthen their claim.
Obtain Relevant Documents
Family members are encouraged to obtain and keep important documents that might help their motorcycle accident attorney build a strong case. Documents containing information such as hospital bills, prescriptions, motorcycle repair costs, cost of support services, and burial expenses are vital when negotiating for damages. Do not assume any document as being irrelevant until your motorcycle accident attorney has assessed its significance to the case. Always remember that the defendant's attorney will seek to discredit your claims. Thus, keeping all essential documents is important to winning the case.
Avoid Public Comments
Families that lose their loved ones to accidents often perceive that public comments, including interviews with the media, will pressure the justice system to rule in their favor. However, like all other lawyers, motorcycle accident attorneys discourage their clients against making public comments because they may jeopardize their damage claims. Usually, no one intends to weaken their case through public comments. However, people in emotional turmoil may lose self-control and disclose sensitive details, weakening their claims.
Be Honest With Your Attorney
Some families lose their damage claims because of being dishonest with their motorcycle accident attorneys. Usually, such families perceive that disclosing sensitive information might reduce their motorcycle accident attorney's commitment to the case. However, attorneys are committed to safeguarding their clients' interests. Additionally, disclosing sensitive information prevents the attorney from being ambushed with new information that might undermine the case.
Talk to a motorcycle accident attorney for more information.