Involved in a Motorcycle Accident? Here are the Actions You Must Take Immediately
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and ensure that your legal rights are protected. Many people make the mistake of not taking action after an accident, which can lead to serious problems down the road. In this article, we will discuss the steps you need to take immediately after a motorcycle accident.
Make sure you receive prompt medical care
One of the most important things you can do after a motorcycle accident is to seek medical attention immediately. It is essential to see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident, even if you feel fine. Many injuries such as whiplash may not show symptoms immediately. If you wait too long to get medical attention, it will be more complicated to demonstrate that your injuries were from the accident.
For instance, if you wait a week to see a doctor and then are diagnosed with whiplash, the insurance company may argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident. These arguments can be difficult to overcome, so it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible. During your appointment, don’t hold back any information about your symptoms, no matter how small they may appear.
Call the police
The police will create a report of the accident, which can be used as evidence in your case. The police report will document important information about the accident, such as the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as any citations that were issued. When the police arrive at the scene of the accident, be sure to get the name and badge number of the officer. Also, be sure to get the name, address, and phone number of any witnesses to the accident. This information will be critical if you need to file a lawsuit.
Document the accident scene
If you are able to do so, it is important to take photos of the accident scene. These photos can be used as evidence in your case. Be sure to document the location of the accident, as well as any damage to your motorcycle or the other vehicles involved. It is also important to take photos of any injuries you sustained in the accident. All of the documents you acquire, including the police report, photos, and medical records, will be important evidence in your case.
Make sure to keep all of these documents in a safe place and do not give them to the insurance company without consulting with an attorney. Namely, in some cases, the insurance company will use these documents to try and deny your claim.
Get the contact information of all parties involved
Make sure to get the contact information of all parties involved in the accident, including the other driver, passengers, and witnesses. This will be important when it comes to filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Namely, when you are gathering information, be sure to get the other drivers:
- Full name
- Insurance information
- Driver’s license number
In addition, it is also a good idea to take photos of the accident scene, as this can be helpful evidence down the road. When taking photos, be sure to get pictures of:
- The damage to both vehicles
- The injuries you sustained
- The road conditions at the time of the accident
- Any other relevant evidence, such as skid marks on the road.
Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to contact an experienced attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. An attorney will be able to help you navigate the often complicated legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Namely, an experienced bike crash attorney can help you obtain the necessary evidence to support your claim as well as handle all communication with the insurance company. Once you have retained an attorney, he or she will be able to take over all of the legal work related to your case, so that you can focus on your recovery.
Moreover, when the case goes to trial, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney will be able to provide aggressive representation in court and fight for the best possible outcome on your behalf.
Filing a claim with the insurance company
Once you have gathered all of the necessary evidence, you will need to file a claim with the insurance company. It is important to keep in mind that insurance companies are businesses and their primary goal is to make money. As such, they will often try to lowball victims of accidents in an effort to save money. This is why it is so important to have an experienced attorney on your side who can fight for the full value of your claim.
Moreover, your insurance company will likely require you to give a recorded statement. It is important to avoid giving this statement without first consulting with an attorney. In many cases, insurance adjusters will try to use your statement against you in order to deny or lowball your claim. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will be able to advise you on how to answer the adjuster’s questions without damaging your case.
Personal injury lawsuit
If the insurance company denies your claim or offers a low settlement, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is a complicated legal process, and you will need an experienced attorney by your side.
The whole process, from the accident itself to filing a claim with the insurance company to potentially going to trial, can be overwhelming. However, by taking the necessary steps and working with an experienced attorney, you can protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
In conclusion, if you are involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your legal rights. Be sure to seek medical attention immediately, get the contact information of all parties involved, and contact an experienced attorney who can help you through the legal process. Taking these steps will give you the best chance of obtaining the compensation you deserve.