How to Receive Compensation from a Motorcycle Accident
How to Receive Compensation for a Motorcycle Accident
Between 2014-2018, 257 motorcyclists were killed in the state of Massachusetts. Even with a helmet, a motorcycle accident can cause serious injuries, disabilities, and fatalities. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in the state of Massachusetts, you may be entitled to compensation. Our attorneys at Bonville & Howard Attorneys at Law will assess your case and determine the best next course of action.
Who is at Fault?
The first thing to understand when trying to receive compensation for a motorcycle accident is who is at fault. Drivers of larger vehicles often don’t notice motorcyclists on the road or do not give them the safe amount of space they need, leading to a collision.
If you are not at fault for the motorcycle accident, some of the other possibilities include:
- You passenger
- The driver of the vehicle you collided with
- The passenger of the vehicle you collided with
- The motorcycle manufacturer
- A parts manufacturer for a part of your motorcycle
- The vehicle manufacturer of the vehicle you collided with
- A repair shop
- A hazard on the road that the town or state may be responsible for
- A hazard on the road that someone else is responsible for
Always assess what caused an accident. It is helpful if there were other witnesses to the accident that you can get a statement from. If you are seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, a witness can be crucial to support your claim when you were unable to fully assess the situation yourself. Police reports from the scene of the accident can also support your claim.
What to Do If the Motorcycle Accident Caused Injuries
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel that the injuries were minor, seeking medical treatment will provide you with documented proof that injuries were sustained, as well as proof of your accident.
In some cases, injuries sustained may not show up right away. For example, if you were injured in an accident and hit your head, you may suffer from internal damage to your skull and brain down the road. Always tell a medical professional each injury you sustained and what happened during the accident no matter how minor it may seem.
What Determines the Payout for a Motorcycle Accident?
Compensation from a motorcycle accident settlement can be determined by several factors including:
- Medical bills
- Mental and physical injuries from the accident
- Who is at fault for the accident
- Damage sustained to your vehicle
- Lost wages
The payout for a motorcycle accident could increase depending on the severity of your injuries. For example, if the injuries you suffered resulted in you being unable to work, you could be compensated for lost income. In addition, if the injuries sustained have long-term side effects that will impact you indefinitely, such as paralysis, you could be compensated for the predicted income that you will continue to lose.
What is the Process for Receiving Compensation?
There are a few ways to receive compensation for the injuries sustained in your accident including:
- From the person or business at fault
- From your insurance
- From the insurance of the other driver in the accident
- From a third-party responsible for the accident
Receiving compensation is not always a quick way to get money. Depending on the complexity of your case, it could take months or even years before you see any compensation.
Throughout the entire process, your attorney will guide you and ensure that you are aware of every next step you can take to win your case.
What Supporting Documentation Will I Need?
In order to receive compensation for your motorcycle accident, you will need to provide certain supporting documentation to support your claim. Evidence that could be provided to the court include:
- Witness statements
- Medical bills
- Medical assessments
- Police reports
- Vehicle inspection reports
- Photos
- Videos
- Insurance policy for your motorcycle
- Personal income reports
Personal income reports can be provided to support your claim when you were unable to work due to your injuries, resulting in a loss of income.
If the accident was caused by a malfunctioning vehicle, whether it was yours or another driver’s, vehicle inspection reports or other supporting documentation assessing the state of the vehicle that malfunctioned can help you win your case.
When you first meet with an attorney to file your claim, they will assess your situation and determine the next steps. Providing them with as much supporting evidence and documentation as possible can help them represent you to the full extent of their ability.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this blog is for general information purposes only. Bonville & Howard assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the blog.
In no event shall Bonville & Howard be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence, or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of this blog or the contents of this blog. Bonville & Howard reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of this blog at any time without prior notice.