Drunk drivers are dangerous. In fact, as many as 32% of all crashes that happen in the United States can be attributed to a drunk driver with a blood alcohol content of >0.08% according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). When you’re in a motorcycle, a DUI accident can be even worse.
Below, we take a look at how motorcyclists are at increased risk from drunk drivers and how an attorney can help you pursue the compensation you deserve after a collision.
How Drunk Drivers Put Motorcyclists At Risk
Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to drunk drivers because they’re harder to see and have less protection in an accident than someone in a traditional passenger vehicle. Without the steel frame of a vehicle surrounding them, motorcyclists take the entire force of the accident with their bike and body. This can lead to serious injuries like broken bones, lacerations, road rash, traumatic brain injury, and even wrongful death.
Drunk drivers are also more likely to violate traffic laws designed to keep you safe. They may fail to stop at an intersection or yield when merging onto a highway, putting motorcyclists and other drivers in harm’s way. It’s also easier for an intoxicated driver to misjudge the speed at which a motorcycle is traveling or fail to notice turn signals or brake lights.
Tell the Police You Suspect the Driver Was Drinking
If you or a family member were hurt in a motorcycle crash and you believe the driver who hit you was drunk, it’s critical to report this to the police as soon as possible. They can administer a field sobriety test or take the driver to the hospital where they can obtain a blood test to determine how much alcohol is in the driver’s system. Not only will this help the state hold law breakers accountable, it gives you important information and concrete records to take to court if you decide to file a claim for compensation.
If the driver left the scene, tell the police as much information as you remember about the color and make of their vehicle, as well as anything you know about the driver themselves. The more authorities have to go off of, the more likely it is that they’ll be able to catch the person who caused your motorcycle accident.
Gather As Much Evidence As Possible
Next, you’ll want to get together as much proof of the incident as you can. The more evidence you have to show how the collision happened and how the other person was at fault, the better your chances are at obtaining the compensation you deserve. This includes things like:
- Detailed photographs of the accident, damage to your motorcycle, and injuries
- The police report that was made by the officer who responded to the crash
- Witness statements that describe what other people saw happen
- Video surveillance footage from nearby establishments or other drivers’ dash cams
- Medical records of the treatment you required after the crash
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Finally, you’ll need to report the motorcycle accident to your insurer. You should do this as soon as possible once you are able since waiting could make it look like you weren’t really injured or the situation wasn’t serious. Remember that insurance carriers are looking for good reasons to deny your claim, so be careful not to give them any.
You also don’t have to answer more questions than necessary or talk about the accident with your insurer. Your responsibility ends when you’ve given them the basic facts of the accident, like who was involved and when it occurred. Avoid guessing at how it might have occurred or who may be at fault for the collision and leave those crucial facts up to the experts.
You should also know that you don’t have to report the accident to the other driver’s insurance company at all. It’s a good idea to let an attorney handle working with the other side to avoid damaging your case.
Contact a Qualified Massachusetts Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Being involved in a motorcycle accident or learning that a loved one was hit can turn your life upside down in a moment. The next steps you take are critical and it’s important to have someone by your side to help guide you.
Contact Mazow | McCullough, PC at (978) 744-8000 or call toll free at (855) 693-9084 to set up a time to discuss your case with one of our qualified New Hampshire and Massachusetts motorcycle accident lawyers.
