Maison Law represents people in Tulare when they’re injured in a motorcycle accident. Motorcycle accidents are tough to witness–and even tougher to experience. If you’re the one who got hit, you’re likely dealing with injuries, confusion, and a lot of unanswered questions. But even if you were just passing by, there’s a lot you can do to make a difference in those first few minutes. Our team is here to help you make sense of the legal process. Reach out today to set up a free consultation.
What Can I Do to Help a Motorcyclist After an Accident?
Riding a motorcycle comes with risks–for the most careful riders. Helmets and gear help, but they can only do so much when a car turns in front of you or cuts you off at an intersection. If you see a motorcycle accident in Tulare, there are a few simple steps you can take to help:
- Call 911 immediately – Whether you’re the rider or someone who saw the accident, the most important thing is to get help on the way. Tell the dispatcher what happened, where you are, and if anyone looks seriously injured. The sooner paramedics arrive, the better the outcome can be.
- Don’t move the motorcyclist – Even if they’re awake and talking, don’t try to move them unless they’re in immediate danger (like from oncoming traffic or fire). Back and neck injuries aren’t always visible right away, and moving someone could make things worse.
- Ask witnesses to stick around – If others saw the accident, try to get their names and contact info. Even a quick video or voice note of what they saw can help clear up what happened–especially if the motorcyclist is blamed later.
- Take photos or video – Visual evidence is huge in a claim, so ask the rider if they need help taking pictures of the motorcycle, other vehicles, the road, skid marks, damage, and any traffic signs or signals nearby. Video can also document weather conditions and traffic flow. All of this helps when it’s time to file a claim.
- Encourage the rider to get checked out – A lot of motorcyclists try to shake it off and go home, only to realize later that they’re badly hurt. Urge them to go to an urgent care clinic or ER just to be safe. Medical records from early on are key to any injury claim.
Even if you weren’t directly involved in the accident, your actions can have a big impact on what happens next. Whether you’re helping someone else or protecting yourself in case you’re ever in the same position, knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident can make all the difference. But then you might ask, what does the claims process look like?
What Does the Claims Process Look Like After a Motorcycle Accident?
When there’s a motorcycle accident, there is a claims process in place to help the victim’s recovery–physically, financially, and emotionally. The starting point is figuring out who pays for these losses, and that means showing negligence.
The idea behind negligence is when someone does something that causes the accident and your injuries–whether it was a careless driver, a distracted trucker on Highway 99, or someone pulling out of a parking lot without looking. Once you have that, you can file your claim either through:
- An insurance claim out of court.
- A personal injury lawsuit.
An insurance claim tends to move a bit faster. But keep in mind, insurance companies aren’t looking out for your best interest. Their goal is often to pay out as little as possible–even when your injuries are serious.
A lawsuit, on the other hand, takes a bit longer and involves the court system, but it gives you a better chance of getting a fair outcome. A judge or jury will decide what your damages are really worth based on the evidence.The types of damages you might be able to recover include:
- Medical bills and future treatment costs
- Income you’ve lost or might lose if you can’t return to work
- Pain, physical discomfort, and long-term suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological impacts
- Repairs or replacement for your motorcycle
- Loss of enjoyment of life or companionship
- Funeral costs and other wrongful death-related losses (if a loved one passed away)
No matter which path you choose, there’s one key rule to remember: You only have two years from the date of the accident to take legal action. Wait too long, and the door to filing a claim closes–no matter how valid your case might be.
Maison Law Helps People That Have Been Hurt in Motorcycle Accidents in Tulare
Seeing a motorcycle accident happen–especially up close–can be jarring. But what you do in those first few moments can make a real difference for the person on the bike. Motorcyclists don’t have a lot of protection in a crash, so any help you can offer–whether it’s physical, practical, or legal–can go a long way.
If someone you helped has questions about what to do next, we’re here to support them. At Maison Law, we work with injured riders in Tulare and the surrounding areas, making sure they have a clear path forward after an accident. Reach out for a free consultation.
