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We cannot hide from the fact that accidents in the road do
happen, and they happen daily. If we are not careful with the way we drive, it
is more likely that we may get into an accident. Or we may be too careful in
driving, but the people we meet are not. Either way, motorcycle accidents can
and will happen. So, it is better if we guard ourselves with the knowledge on
how to prevent such occurrences and what to do in case it happened. You do not
want to be left in the dark and not get the compensation that is due to you
especially if you are not to blame for the whole incident.
Vernon Petri & Associates
Vernon Petri & Associates is a firm based in Indiana
specializing in personal injuries and accidents. They aid people who were in an
accident to be compensated for the injuries they sustained especially if the
injured is at no fault. Because this firm is an expert in this field, it gives
only the best service and skills to the clients they are representing and also
promises the client that they will receive only the highest compensation and
settlement from the people who did them harm, taking into consideration the
medical bills acquired; health insurance; income that was lost at the time that
the injured was recuperating; physical, emotional and mental stress that the
injured went through; and most especially, injuries resulting to disability,
impairment and even death.
The firm offers free consultation to people via the usual
modes of communication; phone, mail and even through email. Their lawyers can
even visit the home or hospital of the injured person if going to their office
is an issue. From there, the attorney will help you not only in the
step-by-step process of filing your case but also in actual damages recovery and
awarding of punitive damages.
The firm guarantees that you will get a settlement that is
the same or equivalent to what your finances were before the motorcycle accident
happened and made a big dent in your finances. You are not expected to pay any
fee for the consultation as it is free. They only charge you if and when a
recovery or settlement is agreed upon by both parties.
Before you present your case to the firm though, you have
to establish first that the other involved driver bears more than 50% of the
culpability or responsibility for the whole accident. You should also have
sound evidence that the other driver was negligent and his negligence then
caused the accident and that you are, in no way, at fault.
It is important to know that motorcycle accidents though
are treated differently from motor vehicle accidents in Indiana, and there are
different rights for the injured in this type of accident, but Vernon Petri &
Associates are experts in this field and are offering the best service in
Indiana with regards to cases like this. With the firm representing you, you
will be assured that you and your future are protected.
Statistics in Motorcycle Accidents & Injuries
Most of the victims, at least 41% of about 1,200+
accidents, who were involved in motorcycle accidents were drunk or had alcohol
in their blood. What makes it worse is that most victims of motorcycle
accidents did not wear their helmets, thus, sustaining more serious and fatal
injuries than those who were wearing one. These non-helmeted victims account
for 49%. Statistics show that wearing a helmet though only increases safety by
about 29%.
Motorcycle accidents and collisions with another vehicle,
usually automobiles, account for 75%; equipment malfunctions like a flat tire
for about 3%; hard braking and sliding in curves and bends for about 66%; and 2%
for roadway defects like an open manhole or uneven surface.
The sad thing is, most of the motorcycle riders who were
involved in the accident were not insured, and only about 10% or less of the
motorcycle owners involved in the accident were insured, insured for medical
coverage and property replacement.
Being Careful is Not Enough
It does not matter if you are careful with the way you
drive your motorcycle if the driver of another vehicle is not being careful with
his driving. And those who were involved in a collision with a passenger
vehicle are the ones who were fatally injured and will be disabled for life or
will die from his multiple injuries. The most common reason that the drivers of
the passenger vehicle give when they hit a motorcycle rider is that they did not
see the motorcycle because of its size.
Handling a motorcycle is difficult. Even though they say
that riding a motorcycle is just like riding an ordinary bike, it is not so.
Not only do you have to balance yourself and the bike, but you also have to
master the motorcycle’s controls. If you go way too fast especially around
bends and curves, the likelihood of skidding is increased. Injuries and
fatalities are likewise increased since the motorcycle is open and cannot
protect the driver sufficiently.
Motorcycle Accidents Do Happen
Yes, accidents do happen, but you should know what to do in
case an incident like this happens. You have to think quickly and preserve any
evidence as this can mean winning or losing a claim. Here are some things that
you have to take note of:
You should get the contact information and details (name,
address and contact numbers) of the other involved driver. But this is not
enough. You also have to obtain the driver’s license number and check if the
vehicle is registered to the driver. If it is leased or a company car, then get
the name, address and other contact information of the company or the rental
company. Obtaining the insurance information is also important. Likewise, you
also have to give the other driver all the information that you have asked from
him.
Witnesses can and will make your claim credible, so make
sure that you identify witnesses. Obtain their names as well as addresses and
contact numbers of their home and offices for future references. If the
witnesses refuse and involvement is an issue, then simply write down the state
and plate numbers of their cars.
You can take down notes when you and the other driver are
discussing the matter over. Once the police arrives (called by you, the other
involved driver or other witnesses), state the event leading up to the accident
clearly and correctly. The police will also gather information from both you
and the other involved driver like speed of the vehicles, physical evidences
from the area like skid mark pictures and measurements of debris, and
testimonies from witnesses according to their point of views.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
First and foremost, helmets are very important. Though it
only increases your safety by about 29%, it can give you a lease on life if ever
you were in a motorcycle accident. Remember this; your helmet may be the only
thing between you, the pavement and a fractured skull.
It is also important that you wear the proper clothes in
driving a motorcycle. Gloves are very important especially if you have sweaty
hands as this lessens slipping. You should also wear a jacket especially if you
plan on riding during the daytime as it can protect you from sunburn and skin
cancer. Do not forget the trusty sunglasses to protect you from the sun’s
glare. During the night, it protects you from the cold, minimizing your
shivering and allowing you to concentrate more on the bike and on the road.
Boots are also important.
Like any other vehicle, never, ever drive while intoxicated
because it slows down your reflexes. This will also impair your judgment of
curves and in avoiding other cars and people.
Driving a motorcycle, like I stated above, is difficult,
and it takes a lot of coordination and skill in handling the steering,
accelerating and decelerating of the motorcycle, shifting gears, and braking.
Be a defensive driver, and only drive with utmost care so as not to harm
yourself and others.
Make yourself more visible to other automobile drivers by
turning your headlights on even during the day (if allowed by traffic laws). It
is also wise if you can use a reflective tape on your helmet or even on the bike
itself so that other drivers can easily see you in the dark.
Do regular maintenance of your motorcycle. Remember, if
your motorcycle is in good condition, you can expect a better performance from
it. Before you ride your motorcycle, it is also imperative that you check your
brakes, chains and engine first.
For your passenger safety, warn them not to get too near
the muffler so as to avoid getting burned. But more importantly than that,
never, ever let a passenger ride if you have not mastered riding a motorcycle
yourself yet. You will not only be jeopardizing yourself but your passenger as
well.
Because traffic rules and laws are there to protect people,
drivers and passengers alike, make sure that you follow all of them.
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