Motorcycle touring in Alaska is liberating, especially when you enjoy the ride on the highway or in the rugged terrain. However, that same freedom entails a certain level of risk, especially when the motorcyclist is the only one involved in the accident. One might imagine it is quite simple if no other car exists, but single-car accidents can be complicated. Knowing what to do can influence the outcome of your case.
Causes of Single-Vehicle Motorcycle Accidents
Single motorcycle accidents are frequent. Often, factors beyond the riders’ control lead to the accident. For instance, it is not a secret that in Alaska, roads can become icy in the blink of an eye due to the unpredictable weather. You may experience black ice on the road, fall into a pothole, or even avoid animals such as moose or bears on the road.
In other cases, it is a mechanical failure, such as brake failure, or it could be due to a single momentary error, such as taking a curve at high speed. However, whatever the cause, it is important to know that liability does not stop at oneself. Hire an Alaska motorcycle accident lawyer to guide you. This also applies to a plane accident in Wasilla.
Liability in Single-Vehicle Motorcycle Accidents
In most of the single car crashes, other people may be to blame for the occurrence of the accident. Did the road fail to receive proper maintenance? Were warning signs absent? If a poorly designed or defective part was a cause of the accident, then a claim against the manufacturer could be warranted. Alaska law considers such externalities, and these elements must be ascertained for the claim to be successful.
Sometimes, as a motorcyclist, you may feel that you are fully at fault because no other car is involved in the accident. Though this may not always be the case, digging deeper is necessary to get the facts right.
Legal Steps to Take After a Solo Motorcycle Accident
In every motorcycle accident that you ride alone, the first thing you should do is always consider your health first. In the case of an accident, the students should seek medical help even if the injuries are trivial. Adrenaline may dull pain, and people may not immediately feel the effects of an accident. You must also inform the police of the incident, especially if property damage or people are hurt.
Other than that, it is important to maintain the evidence. Document the accident scene, your bike, and any other hazards that might be present in the scene. If witnesses were present, then take down their contact details. Every one of those pieces of evidence could be critical in proving what happened in the accident and why you deserve compensation.
Compensation Options for Solo Motorcycle Accidents
Some riders think their insurance policy will cater to all their costs, which is only sometimes true. Alaska mandates that motorcycle riders have liability insurance, which is useless if no other vehicle is involved. However, there are several things that you may still consider when considering coverage options.
For instance, medical payment coverage or uninsured motorist policies could be used to offer compensation. You could also seek a third party’s claim if your accident resulted from poor road status or mechanical breakdown.
It is not easy to handle yourself when involved in a single-vehicle motorcycle accident. This is where the hiring of a motorcycle accident lawyer is most helpful. A lawyer can look into the details of the accident, gather the necessary information and evidence, and look for all the legal ways to get compensated.