Delaware Attorneys Protecting Your Rights After A Motorcycle Accident
A motorcycle accident can leave a rider with severe injuries and a difficult fight for compensation. If another driver caused the collision, a Delaware motorcycle accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and pursue a full and fair claim for your injuries.
At Pratcher Krayer LLC, we believe an accident victim should not have to fight for what’s fair alone. We are committed to helping our clients hold negligent drivers accountable and seek the compensation they deserve. Moreover, our attorneys have experience defending insurance companies. We know their strategies and how to counter them, ensuring that they don’t take advantage of our clients when they are at their most vulnerable.
Why Motorcycle Crashes Are Dangerous
Riders are more vulnerable to severe motorcycle accident injuries than drivers and car passengers. Because a motorcycle offers no physical protection, a rider is directly exposed to the force of impact. A collision that might result in minor injuries to a car’s occupants can lead to catastrophic consequences for a rider.
This is why Delaware law requires all riders to wear a helmet for the first two years of their license. The law also prohibits lane splitting, which is when a motorcyclist rides between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic.
Unfortunately, even the most cautious motorcycle riders can face serious injuries when there are distracted or negligent drivers on the road. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Left-turn crashes: A driver making a left turn at an intersection may not see an approaching motorcycle
- Missed blind spots: Drivers may fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes
- Speeding and reckless driving: When a person drives too fast or too recklessly, they have less time to see and react to a motorcycle
A motorcycle rider may suffer from “road rash,” which is severe skin damage from scraping the pavement, as well as fractures, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries can be life-altering and require long-term medical care.
Proving Fault In A Motorcycle Accident
Proving that another driver was at fault is essential for your personal injury claim. However, insurance companies often try to blame the rider for the crash, arguing that they were speeding, riding recklessly or were simply hard to see. Our lawyers can help you collect and present evidence to counter these claims, such as:
- Police reports that document the accident and initial findings
- Medical records and bills detailing the extent of your injuries
- Photos and videos from the scene, including footage from a helmet cam
- Eyewitness accounts from anyone who saw the crash
- Skid marks or other physical evidence on the road
One common argument that the at-fault party may use is the “looked but failed to see” defense. This is when a driver admits they looked in the direction of the motorcycle but claims they simply didn’t see it. Our attorneys know how to challenge this claim, using evidence and established legal principles to prove the driver’s failure to see you was a result of their negligence.
What To Do After A Motorcycle Crash
Taking the right steps after an accident can help protect your rights and your claim. Firstly, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Even if you think your injuries are minor, an adrenaline rush can mask pain.
A doctor can find and immediately address any hidden injuries, such as a concussion or internal bleeding. Keep detailed records of all your medical appointments, tests and treatments, since these will be necessary in building your claim if you decide to take legal action.
It’s also advisable to keep a meticulous record of all of your financial losses. This includes all medical bills, receipts for any medications or medical equipment and records of any time you missed from work to account for your lost wages. These documents are critical for calculating your total damages.
Let Us Be Your Partner On The Road To Recovery
Our Delaware motorcycle accident lawyers at Pratcher Krayer LLC can help you understand your legal options in getting the financial recovery you deserve. Call us today at 302-566-1796 for a free consultation. You can also send us your questions or concerns through our website.