Motorcycle accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2017 alone, 89,000 motorcyclists sustained injuries in accidents in the United States.
It just takes one careless action by a motorist to sending a motorcyclist sprawling across the asphalt. The shock is enough to leave you feeling emotionally paralyzed and overwhelmed at first, but you have crucial steps to take following an accident if you are able.
In this post, we’ll look at the steps you should take if you’re in a motorcycle wreck. If you’re too injured, you might ask a friend or family member to assist you. The sooner you accomplish these tasks, the better.
1. See a Doctor
Even if it seems like a minor fender bender, see a doctor as soon as possible. You might feel okay initially, but you are bound to be sore after the adrenaline wears off. More importantly, however, is that you might have injuries about which you’re unaware.
The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, for example, only manifest hours or days after most motorcycle accidents.
Finally, if you intend to request compensation from the other driver, you will require those records later. One of the first things that the other side’s attorneys will ask is whether you sought medical attention.
2. Obtain Contact Information
First, call 911 if anyone is seriously injured. If there are no life-threatening injuries, call the police. In the meantime, get the details about the other driver and any witnesses. Get their names, addresses, and phone numbers.
Find out if the other driver has insurance. If they do, ask for the company’s details. Then request the driver’s license of the other driver. Finally, write down the license plate number.
If you don’t have paper and pencil, you can use your mobile phone camera to take pictures of the other driver’s license and insurance card. You can text the phone numbers and names of witnesses to yourself. Document everything.
Most crucially, don’t discuss the accident itself. Should you admit a fault or concede that there were extenuating circumstances, you risk devaluing your claim.
3. Gather Photographic Evidence
Take photos of the vehicle, the bike, license plates, and any hazards in the road. The position of the damage gives investigators clues about who was at fault. While the police will take photographs, it’s handy to have extras of motorcycle accidents.
When you’re at home, take pictures of your injuries. Document any cuts or bruises.
4. Obtain a Police Report
The investigators may take up to 10 days to determine who was at fault. When they release the final report, ask for a copy. You may do this at the station or online.
5. File the Claim with Your Insurance Company
Start by filing your claim, even if you weren’t at fault. Most insurers insist that you do so for motorcycle accidents, and it’s useful for you. Your insurance carrier will negotiate with the company representing the at-fault driver.
If you don’t have coverage, call the other driver’s insurance company and make an accident report. Provide only the necessary details and don’t volunteer any further information. The insurance carrier will use any excuse to reduce the payment you receive.
6. Keep All the Paperwork
Create a file and store the paperwork. Keep copies of your claim, medical reports, bills, receipts, the police report, and any other information pertinent to the case. If you’ve lost wages due to the accident, get a doctor’s report to confirm the reasons and then back them up with pay stubs.
Keep a record of all expenses due to the accident, including over-the-counter medication and travel costs to doctors or specialists to treat the injuries. If you had to hire help around the house or garden while recuperating, list those expenses as well.
6. Keep a Journal
The costs of an accident are sometimes intangible. How do you assign a value to how you felt? Keeping a daily journal of emotions and symptoms helps you better explain the impact and provides a useful record for your doctor.
7. Don’t Talk to the Insurance Adjusters Yourself
In the event of a large claim, the insurers will try to limit their liability. Remember that the adjuster is there on behalf of the company—not you—and will look for reasons to reduce your claim.
Hiring an attorney to negotiate on your behalf is often the better course of action.
8. Be Careful of Social Media
As far as possible, try not to discuss the details of your claim until it becomes settled. It’s unwise to post information about your accident on social media because you don’t know who monitors your pages. If you inadvertently say the wrong thing, it might damage your case.
If you’re claiming for injuries, it’s also wise to avoid social media. The insurer may use a harmless picture of you dancing as proof that you’re not hurt.
9. Never Accept the First Offer
Insurers don’t play fair. They are adept at establishing who was at fault but won’t necessarily admit that to you. Instead, they will offer a settlement figure.
That figure should be just the starting point for negotiations—and the lowest offer the insurance company reps will make. Remember, they have done the math and realized that they would lose in court. Speak to a lawyer before you even consider accepting.
An experienced attorney will advise you about what a reasonable settlement figure is and then work with you to build a strong case.
10. Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
We can help. Call (510) 328-3238 and schedule your appointment to discuss the accident and the legal remedies open to you.
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