Westbury Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
It is an unfortunate fact that motorcyclists place themselves a great risk of personal harm whenever they choose to ride. However, it is still the responsibility of other drivers to take steps to avoid causing an incident.
An experienced personal injury attorney could help you if another driver’s negligence resulted in your injuries. A seasoned Westbury motorcycle accident lawyer could investigate the incident which led to your injuries in order to accurately measure your losses, as well as pursue adequate compensation on your behalf.
Driver Obligations
Driving on Westbury’s roads involves an obligation to protect surrounding people from risks of unnecessary harm. This obligation is known as a duty of care, and a failure to uphold this duty could create liability for a negligent driver if their conduct results in an injury to someone else. Negligence is a cause of action which allows those injured in accidents to pursue compensation from the party—or parties—found to be at fault.
A knowledgeable Westbury attorney could help establish a party’s negligence by gathering evidence that speeding, distracted driving, or simple carelessness caused a motorcycle crash. Perhaps more importantly, they could also work to refute any assertions that a claimant contributed to their accident. A plaintiff found to be partially responsible for their accident risks having their compensatory award reduced in proportion to their assigned percentage of fault.
Compensable Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can inflict severe injuries on riders. Simply falling to the pavement can result in broken bones, separated joints, and cuts and scrapes. Collisions that occur at higher speeds can throw a rider into oncoming traffic or under someone else’s car.
A claim for damages following a motorcycle accident should seek compensation for medical bills associated with the treatment of any subsequent injuries. While this can include both past and future medical costs, a physical injury may not be the extent of a plaintiff’s losses. For instance, if an injury is so severe that it prevents a claimant from working or results in permanent disability, an at-fault driver could be required to provide payments for lost income.
Additionally, an injured person may also suffer more intangible losses following an accident. For example, pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and a general loss of quality of life could be reimbursed in a successful suit. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer in Westbury could help measure a claimant’s losses and pursue full compensatory payments from at-fault defendants.
Steps to Take After a Motorbike Crash in Westbury
When a collision occurs, it is crucial for motorcyclists to take steps to protect themselves and preserve evidence for a potential injury claim. Immediately after a crash, it is important to get out of the roadway to avoid additional injuries or property damage. Individuals involved in a motorbike crash should also call the police, who will file a report. When possible, it is also best to collect any possible evidence at the scene, such as insurance information, photographs, and names of witnesses.
It is also imperative for injured parties to seek medical attention as soon as possible. It is not uncommon for someone to feel fine after an accident, only for injuries to develop over time. A medical professional can assess, treat, and document injuries that may not be immediately obvious.
After receiving medical treatment, the next important step is to consult with a dedicated legal professional. A local motorcycle wreck attorney could review the evidence collected, speak with witnesses, and begin building a claim that highlights the injured party’s losses.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Crash Claims?
In most cases, an individual who has been injured in a motorbike wreck has three years from the date of an accident to file an injury claim. Failing to file within the state’s required timeframe could bar an individual from financial recovery. It is important to consult with an attorney who has experience handling motorbike crash cases as quickly as possible so that they can begin building a strong compensation claim.
How a Westbury Motorcycle Accident Attorney Could Help
If you were in an accident while riding your motorcycle, you may have the right to pursue compensation. All drivers owe a duty of care to other people on the road with them, and they could be held liable for breaching this duty and causing injuries. For this reason, an at-fault driver could be responsible to provide payments for your losses.
Defendants and their insurance companies will likely fight to protect themselves, so you should have professional help defending your own rights and best interests. Contact a Westbury motorcycle accident lawyer today to start working on your case.
