After a motorcycle accident, there are three urgent steps to take to protect your right to compensation. In cases in which another driver was at fault, which is the most common scenario, it can be more difficult than expected to get a fair settlement. Why? There is an assumption that the motorcyclist has committed some form of negligence.

In fact, the majority of these injury cases are the result of a vehicle operator who fails to see that he or she is sharing the road or highway with a motorcycle. Sudden lane changes without signaling, rear impacts at stop signs and stop lights, drivers turning into motorcyclists all happen far too often on our Michigan streets, roads and highways.

If you are the victim of a motorcycle accident, there are three actions you must take:

#1: Get medical attention at once.

• Closed-head injuries can lead to death of not treated at once, and the injuries are not immediately apparent. The brain can bleed and eventually lead to death. Even if you believe you are not significantly injured, see a medical professional at once and get fully evaluated. If you are seriously injured and were transported by ambulance, this is not possible. If you remained alert, ensure that you seek medical attention at once.

#2: Collect names, numbers and insurance information from any party involved.

• Collect contact information from any witnesses to the incident. Take pictures of the accident site with your smart phone if possible. All of this information could be vital data if a settlement for injuries or property damage is challenged by responsible party’s insurance company later when you file a claim.

#3: Call an attorney from the Michigan Bikers Association.

• We are lawyers who ride, and our entire practice is focused upon protecting the rights of riders to full compensation, whether in a settlement or jury award. Getting counsel on your side early can be extremely important, as the evidence to support your claim may need to be gathered and preserved.

Connect with our professional team at Michigan Bikers Association. We are focused on protecting the rights and interests of injured motorcyclists, including cases in which a safety system or component of the motorcycle failed, leading to an accident and injuries.