Vehicle accidents are fairly common in a heavily populated state like California. Thousands of people file accident claims every year for all sorts of different accidents. However, if you are involved in a “no contact” accident while riding a motorcycle, the situation can be a bit more complicated than a normal accident.

Knowing what to do and how to handle things can make the difference between getting the compensation you deserve and having to pay for your injuries and damages out of pocket.

What is a “No Contact” Claim?

A no contact claim occurs when a vehicle is damaged and/or a driver is injured due to the actions of another driver, though no contact is made between the two vehicles. The most common type of no contact accident occurs between a motorcycle and another, larger vehicle.

In these cases, the driver of the motorcycle may take action to avoid hitting another vehicle, such as swerving or laying the bike down. When this happens the driver of the motorcycle may be injured or the bike damaged. This usually results in a no contact accident claim. While a person’s insurance may pay for damages caused by this type of accident, there is no guarantee that the amount of compensation that they receive will be enough to mitigate the losses suffered.

That is why, if you are involved in a no contact motorcycle accident, it is best to gather the facts, see a doctor, collect evidence, and contact an injury attorney right away to ensure that you are compensated fairly for your accident.

Who is at Fault For a No Contact Motorcycle Accident?

While it varies on a case by case basis, most often the other vehicle which caused the driver of the vehicle to take action is at fault for the accident.

The most common cause of these types of accidents is negligent or reckless driving, in which the at-fault motorist fails to take due precautions while driving, resulting in the injury of another motorist. In some cases it can even be dangerous or malicious driving, such as road rage or trying to run the other person off the road.

Examples include excessive speeding which results in loss of control of the vehicle, especially in inclement weather, failing to brake properly or stopping short, and failing to signal when turning or changing lanes. However, all types of reckless behavior can result in a no contact accident, such as a person using their mobile device behind the wheel, being distracted by passengers, driving under the influence, and other situations.

Proving a No Contact Motorcycle Accident

Unfortunately, although no contact accidents do occur, proving fault and recovering compensation in these cases can be a bit more difficult than a normal accident. You’ll want to gather as much evidence as possible when the accident happens in order to prove your case.

The best types of evidence include eyewitness testimony, photographs of the scene including the site of accident, skid marks leading to the accident, your vehicle, and the other vehicle if possible.

You’ll also want records such as your doctor’s reports for any injuries sustained and the repair bills for your vehicle. These items and the evidence will help bolster your case.

Don’t get stuck paying out of pocket, follow these steps and file your no contact accident claim and get the fair and just compensation you deserve.