Motorcycle accidents can be extremely dangerous, often resulting in serious injuries and even fatalities. Being involved in one can be nothing short of devastating, leaving you feeling shaken up, confused, and unsure of what to do next. It is therefore important to know what to do to protect yourself and ensure that you receive the best possible care. Here are the most important steps to take following a motorcycle accident:
Find a Good Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
After a motorcycle accident, you’re going to need a good car accident lawyer on your side. This is because motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries, and you’re going to need experienced legal representation to help you get the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer will be able to guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim and ensure that all of the necessary evidence is gathered. They will also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and fight for a fair settlement. And while hiring a motorcycle accident attorney might not be the first thing on your mind after an accident, it’s important to do so as soon as possible. This is because there is a statute of limitations in place for filing personal injury claims, and if you wait too long, you could miss your chance to receive compensation.
Another thing to consider is the location of the accident and consider hiring a firm in the area. For example, if the accident was in Vermilion County in Illinois, a Danville motorcycle accident lawyer would not only specialize in motorcycle accidents but be knowledgeable about the area.
Seek Medical Attention
It is always important to seek medical attention after any accident, but it is especially crucial after a motorcycle accident. This is because there are many risks associated with riding a motorcycle, and when you add an accident into the mix, the risks increase exponentially. Injuries can be sustained even in low-speed accidents, so it’s important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries like whiplash may not present themselves immediately, so it’s important to be seen by a medical professional who can properly diagnose you. Not only will this ensure that you get the treatment you need, but it will also create a record of your injuries which can be used as evidence in a personal injury claim.
Call the Police
It is also important to call the police after a motorcycle accident. The police will create an accident report which can be used as evidence in your injury claim. It should include important information like the names and contact information of all parties involved, insurance information, and a description of what happened. The report will also document any citations that were given out at the scene of the accident. It’s important to have this documentation because it can be used to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident. So be sure to get a copy of the accident report from the police for your records. Additionally, police will often be able to help you with things like traffic control and getting in touch with tow trucks, which can be extremely helpful in the aftermath of an accident.
Gather Evidence
If you’re able to do so, it’s also important to gather evidence at the scene of the accident. This includes taking pictures of the damage to both vehicles, getting the contact information of any witnesses, and anything else that you think might be helpful. This evidence can be used to support your injury claim and help prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident. So be sure to collect as much evidence as you can. If you are not able to do so at the scene of the accident, your lawyer will be able to gather this evidence for you. This is another good reason why is it essential to have a good lawyer by your side from the start.
Do Not Admit Fault
It’s also important to avoid admitting fault for the accident. Many people do this without realizing it, but even something as simple as apologizing can be interpreted as an admission of guilt. So it’s important to be careful about what you say after an accident. The best thing to do is to avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as an admission of fault. If you need to speak with the other driver, stick to exchanging insurance information and nothing more. And if you’re speaking with the police or insurance companies, again, just stick to the facts and avoid admitting any fault. Let your lawyer do the talking for you to avoid saying anything that could jeopardize your personal injury claim.
Keep Track of Your Expenses
Finally, it’s important to keep track of all of your expenses after a motorcycle accident. This includes things like medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and anything else that can be attributed to the accident. These expenses can be used to support your personal injury claim and help you receive compensation for your losses. So be sure to keep all of your receipts and documentation in one place so that you can easily access them when needed. This is especially important if you end up having to go to court to resolve your claim. You will need to be able to show the judge or jury all of your expenses to receive full compensation for your losses.
Be Careful About Speaking with Insurance Companies
Finally, it’s important to be careful about speaking with insurance companies after a motorcycle accident. You will likely receive calls from both your own insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company. It’s important to remember that insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying out claims. So they will often try to get you to say something that could damage your injury claim. As mentioned above, it’s important to avoid admitting fault for the accident. But you should also avoid giving a recorded statement or signing any documents without first speaking with a lawyer.
While no one ever wants to be involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to know what to do if it happens. By following the steps above, you can protect your legal rights and give yourself the best chance of receiving compensation for your injuries and losses. And even f you think you can handle the process on your own, it’s still a good idea to have a motorcycle accident lawyer by your side so you can have peace of mind knowing that someone is looking out for your best interests.