Motorcycles comprise only 3% of the total vehicles in the United States with the vehicle traveling 0.6% of the total vehicle miles traveled in the country.
But how often do motorcycle accidents happen?
In 2020, the percentage of accidents caused by motorcycles is much higher than its fraction of total vehicles. They are responsible for 14% of all traffic fatalities, 18% of which were occupant fatalities in 2020. They are also responsible for 4% of occupant injuries in 2020.
Motorcycles require different mental and physical skill sets to operate compared to four-wheeled vehicles. They are more difficult to maneuver and are more difficult to see on the road compared to other vehicles. This could be why fatalities due to motorcycles have been steadily increasing from 2011 to 2020. The injury rate from 2011 to 2020 also increased from 82,000 to 83,000, however, it fluctuated around the hundred thousand around 2016.
If you are a motorcycle owner concerned about the possibilities and how-tos when encountering an out-of-state accident, continue reading to find out more.
Can You Be Compensated for an Out-of-State Motorcycle Accident?Â
Getting in an accident out-of-state is a tricky situation. Different states have different motorcycle laws. If you are insured, it also depends on your insurance coverage. So, how can you be compensated for your motorcycle accident?
The best way to do this is to call motorcycle accident lawyers from that state. These lawyers are more knowledgeable about the law, especially in the state where your accident occurred. These lawyers can also represent you in the jurisdiction of their state. So, make sure you hire lawyers from the state in which your accident occurred.Â
Having a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you claim full compensation for all damages caused. These may include damage to your vehicle, personal injury, or even emotional damage. Your case may most probably go to court in the state where your accident occurred. This is why it is better to get an attorney from that state.
What is the Average Payout for a Motorcycle Accident?Â
It is hard to ascertain the average compensation for a motorcycle accident. The range is from a few thousand dollars up to a million dollars. It ultimately depends on the injuries that a person suffers from an accident.
For example, one client was on a motorcycle that was struck by a car. The client suffered a fractured femur. From this motorcycle accident case, their motorcycle accident injury attorney was able to get him compensated for $315,000.
What to Do If You Get Involved in an Out-Of-State Motorcycle AccidentÂ
Here are the steps to take if you ever get involved in a motorcycle accident. Follow these steps closely to ensure the safety of all parties involved. Being meticulous about this also helps you claim compensation for your accident.
Step 1: Check If Everyone is Okay and Exchange Contact Information
Check the area of the accident. Check if you are okay and able to move. You will have to move away from the crash to prevent tampering with the accident scene and avoid any other immediate dangers such as other passing cars. If there is another party involved, check if they are okay as well. Once this is done, you can exchange contact information with them. This helps to stay in touch with them if they are ever needed for compensation and witness evidence of the case.
Step 2: Call 911 and Request For Emergency Services if NeededÂ
Call 911 to report the accident. If you are out-of-state it is likely that you may not know the local police hotline for that area so it is better to call 911. If you or someone else is hurt, make sure to request emergency services so that you can get the help that you need and get treated immediately. The police will also document the accident which will further help you with your case.
Step 3: Take Photos and Videos Of The Accident
Taking photos and videos of the accident is very helpful in solidifying your case. Since you are not from the state where the accident occurred, it is unlikely that you will visit this area again. Take pictures and videos to capture the moment. You can also state what was happening before, during, and after the accident in your video. This will help you recall important details of your case further on.
Step 4: Receive a Full Medical EvaluationÂ
Even if you feel fully fine immediately after the accident, some injuries do not immediately show up and even more, cannot be seen by the naked eye! Make sure to get a thorough medical evaluation to find out the extent of your injuries. This is needed because if you are going to file a personal injury case, the extent of your injuries will determine how much you will be able to claim.
Step 5: Call a Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorney
Once you have all the details of your accident, it is best to call a law firm that specializes in motorcycle accidents and can provide a lawyer for a motorcycle accident. Even if you are not negligent and aren’t the cause of the accident, most insurance firms try to pin the accident on you so that they give you the lowest amount of compensation possible.
If you are from out-of-state you may also not be familiar with the local insurance requirements. A motorcycle accident injury attorney can help you with this.
With a motorcycle accident injury attorney, you can be sure that your rights are protected. These types of lawyers fight for a fair case and can get you the compensation that you deserve.
Tips on How To Avoid Accidents on Motorcycles
- Wear Protective Gear
Wearing long sleeves and pants and clothing that is thick and covers all parts of your body can help your body withstand impact and save you from minor cuts or scratches when you fall off your bike.
- Make Sure You Are Properly Seen
Motorcycles are small vehicles and sometimes drivers of four-wheeled automobiles have trouble seeing them on the road, especially at night. Make sure you are wearing bright or reflective clothing to make sure you are seen.
- Wear a Full-Faced Department Approved Helmet At All Times
Wearing a helmet ensures that you lessen the chances of traumatic head injury during a crash. If you are wearing a light-colored helmet, it would be better as this also improves your visibility.
- Do Not Get Distracted
Texting or being distracted while you are driving makes you more vulnerable to accidents as you are not paying attention to the road. Always make sure that you are alert and aware of your surroundings.
- Do Not Drink and Drive
Drinking and driving have always been bad ideas. This can severely impair your senses and riding a motorcycle requires much more physical and mental attention compared to four-wheeled vehicles.
- Do Not Speed
Motorcycles can go at very fast speeds. However, just because it can, does not mean that you should. Speeding increases the chances of an accident as it is harder to stop and harder to see other vehicles on the road.
- Be Careful Of Intersections
A lot of crashes happen at intersections. It is better to be cautious when approaching one to make sure that you are not in danger of crashing into anybody.
- Be Careful In Bad Weather
Bad weather such as wind, snow, and rain can make it harder for you to maneuver your motorcycle properly. Before going on a ride, make sure to properly assess the situation if it is even safe to ride. If you think you cannot, it is best to avoid riding a motorcycle altogether.
ConclusionÂ
Riding a motorcycle is difficult in itself. Getting involved in a motorcycle out-of-state is another business as well. This is a very difficult situation to get into, not to mention dangerous. Thankfully, there are well-versed motorcycle accident lawyers that can help you in these kinds of situations. With their help, you can be sure that you are getting fair compensation for your accident and injuries.
The tips must have helped you to learn a lot about how to cope with an out-of-state motorcycle accident from our article. We wish you good luck and safe rides!Â
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