Written by Parnall Law Firm reviewed by Bert Parnall Motorcycle Accidents Articles
Owner/CEO at Parnall Law Firm
Although motorcycles comprise 3% of all registered vehicles and 0.7% of vehicle miles in the United States, they accounted for 14.6% of all traffic fatalities and 3.5% of injuries in 2022.
Motorcycles are less stable and have high-performance features. When a motorcycle crashes, the rider lacks the enclosed protection of a vehicle, which exposes them to the risk of severe injury and fatality.
Victims of motorcycle accidents suffer significant pain and hardship. You may be entitled to compensation if injured in a motorcycle crash caused by someone else’s negligence.
Consult a trusted motorcycle accident attorney in New Mexico for legal advice on protecting your rights as an injured victim.
The steps you take after a motorcycle accident enhance your safety and protect your right to compensation.
Here are important steps to take after a motorcycle accident:
Assess the situation after the crash for possible injuries and ways to prevent further harm.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when assessing the situation:
If you cannot assess the situation, ask someone else to do it. Alternatively, ask bystanders to help or call for assistance.
Exchange information with other parties involved in the accident. Accident-related information is
vital for initiating a motorcycle accident claim.
Take note of the following details:
The foundation for obtaining compensation for accident-related losses is proof of how the accident occurred.
Make sure you record the following:
It is advisable to seek immediate medical attention, irrespective of the severity of the injury. The full extent of the injury may not be immediately apparent after a motorcycle crash. A comprehensive medical exam can reveal any hidden issue.
In addition to initiating a treatment plan, a healthcare provider will generate medical records. Documents such as doctor’s notes, prescription notes, or diagnostic tests can prove the extent of your injury.
Regardless of the party responsible for injury-related losses, notify your insurer about the crash. A minor injury can develop complications, and a driver who had promised to pay might find it challenging to settle.
Your insurer might pay for accident-related losses if the at-fault driver has insufficient or no insurance coverage.
While many injured victims obtain compensation from the at-fault party’s insurer, working with an attorney enhances your chances of a positive outcome. A New Mexico motorcycle accident attorney will provide legal support as you pursue compensation from the at-fault party.
Most importantly, they will evaluate all damages and negotiate for a fair settlement value that matches your losses.
The foundation of a motorcycle accident case is a driver who acted negligently, causing you to sustain a significant injury.
Here are the elements of a valid motorcycle accident case:
You must prove fault to obtain compensation in a motorcycle accident claim. As an injured victim, you must prove that the other driver was negligent because they breached their duty of care to you.
The following pieces of evidence can establish fault:
A motorcycle accident leaves injured victims with hefty medical bills, loss of productivity, and psychological toll, which impacts their everyday lives. With the help of a motorcycle accident attorney, the victim and their family members can sue for damages.
You can obtain three types of damages: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages, depending on the facts of your case.
Here’s a list of potential damages:
Suppose you’ve sustained a broken arm in a hit-and-run accident involving a speeding motorcycle. In that case, you’ll likely endure hefty medical expenses and lost productivity because of the injury.
You, therefore, deserve representation from an experienced New Mexico attorney like Parnall Law, who’ll aggressively represent your right to compensation. What to do after a motorcycle accident in New Mexico? Learn about your legal rights, how to prove fault and potential damages.
Contact us online or at (505) 268-6500 for a free consultation.
Bertrand Russell Parnall is an Albuquerque native, salutatorian of the Class of 1988 at Albuquerque High School, and co-captain of the district football champion Bulldogs. He earned his undergraduate degree from Rice University with a double major in history and French, and his law degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law after coming home to Albuquerque.
Years of Experience: 27+ years
Justia Profile: Bert Parnall
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Bertrand Russell Parnall who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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