Next Steps for San Antonio Motorcycle Accident Victims

For many people in San Antonio, motorcycles are an attractive form of transportation. They allow riders to commute with a greater sense of freedom and are more fuel-efficient than cars. Motorcycles also cost less than cars to buy, insure, and maintain, which makes them an attractive option for many single riders.

The downside, however, is the increased danger motorcycle riders face in an accident. Because motorcyclists do not have a protective chassis around them, they are more likely to experience significant or fatal injuries in a crash. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that, for every mile traveled in 2015, motorcyclist deaths occurred nearly 29 times more frequently than car occupant fatalities. Clearly, motorcycle safety is a critical issue in cities across the United States, and San Antonio is no exception.

If a driver who failed to follow traffic laws was responsible for your San Antonio motorcycle accident, you may be eligible file a suit against the negligent driver. We encourage you to reach out to the expert lawyers at Carabin Shaw to see if you can receive compensation for your injuries. Figuring out the next steps for San Antonio motorcycle accident victims can be overwhelming, but with the help of the guide, you might find yourself on the right track toward recovery.

1. Take stock of what evidence you gathered from the scene of the accident, and what you didn’t. It may not be too late to gather photographs of the accident scene or of the damage to your bike. Check the contact information of all drivers and witnesses you recorded, and make sure you keep them together in a safe place.
2. See the doctor, even if you don’t think you’re hurt. Many injuries in collisions aren’t evident until much later after the accident, and any injuries that aren’t included in you claim now won’t be eligible for compensation later.
3. Report the accident to your insurance company, but don’t give them a statement on your version of events just yet. You likely don’t have all the facts just yet, and anything short of bullet-proof story may be used as testimony against you. If possible, hold any statements until they receive an attorney’s review, and even better if an attorney handles all communication with insurers in your stead..
4. Decide if your claim requires legal assistance. By now, you should have everything necessary to make a clear decision. If your accident involves any liable party that could contest your claim, your financial damages or injuries are of any shade of seriousness, or you have even the slightest doubt of your complete compensation, don’t take the risk of continuing without an attorney.

The next step for San Antonio motorcycle accident victims is to build a strong case with your attorney. Together, you’ll work with you to compile all the necessary documents to build your case, which might include police reports, witness statements, medical bills, expert testimony, proof of missed work, photographs of the accident scene, among many others. Building a case is no small feat, but our attorneys are experienced, knowledgeable, and connected to the San Antonio community.

To prove negligence and liability, you will need to show that the driver’s failure to follow certain rules caused your motorcycle to crash. Drivers in San Antonio most often put motorcyclists at risk when they fail to watch the road. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 60 percent of motorcyclist deaths occurred in multiple-vehicle crashes. Most of these accidents occur due to negligent driving. When drivers engage in reckless behavior like speeding, making sudden stops or left turns, driving under the influence, and performing unsafe lane changes, riders get hurt.

Apart from the vehicle and property damaged or lost in the accident, your compensation claim must also be able to show that the trauma resulting from the crash led to tangible losses, such as medical expenses, physical rehabilitation, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

When working through your next steps for San Antonio motorcycle accident victims, give yourself a head start by speaking to an attorney at Carabin Shaw early in the process. You struggle with the injury and expense of an accident alone; we are here to advocate the rights of you and those you love. Your first visit is always free, and we won’t charge you unless we win your case.

To speak with a San Antonio motorcycle accident in San Antonio, call our offices at 210-222-2288 or toll-free at 800-862-1260.