The moments after a motorcycle accident are especially important and can impact the victim’s legal actions and rights in the future. Though you may be in a state of shock, it’s important to understand these details. They are crucial for building a strong accident case, especially if the crash was not your fault. Therefore, if you are a motorcycle rider, you should know the critical steps to take after a crash to safeguard your legal rights and strengthen your claim if you plan to hold the liable party accountable later. The critical steps to take after a motorcycle accident include.
Call the police
Whether you have been hurt or not, you should still call law enforcement officers and file a police report. The police report will contain the names, contact information, and even the insurance information of all the parties involved in the collision. A police report will also enable you to tell your side of the story and will also enable the other driver to explain how the crash occurred. All this information can function as crucial evidence in a motorcycle accident claim either with the insurance company or in front of a judge if your case goes to court.
Report all your injuries
After the collision, you should report your injuries to emergency responders such as the police, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), firefighters, and doctors if you arrive at the emergency room. You should make sure that your injuries and symptoms are recorded by the medical staff because they could indicate serious conditions. In addition, even if you believe you are unhurt, you should get a medical check-up from a hospital. This is because, immediately after a collision, the victims experience shock and a rush of adrenaline, which can numb the pain response from any injuries, including internal injuries.
Don’t give statements to insurance adjusters.
If you are called by an insurance adjuster or a defense lawyer for a statement, you should not give any statement if you have not yet talked to your attorney. Some insurance adjusters and defense lawyers will only contact you to have you deny or downplay your symptoms, injuries, or pain to save their money. They may use your statement to prove that you are not injured and deny you benefits or compensation. Therefore, if an adjuster or defense attorney wants to talk to you, you should direct them to your attorney.
Don’t sign anything before consulting your lawyer
Insurance adjusters and other attorneys may ask you to sign settlements, releases, written statements, or waivers. You should never sign anything before consulting your attorney, including settlement checks from adjusters and insurers. Insurance companies want to do what’s best for them. Even if you might end up on the short end of the stick. That’s why having a legal professional who will fight for you can make all the difference. Your insurance company will handle things differently if they are aware, you have a lawyer on your side.
Keep detailed records
You should keep detailed copies of important accident-related bills and documents because they can strengthen your case and maximize your compensation. You should at least keep records of all medical bills, a journal of your discomfort, pain, and fatigue, and photographs of your injuries and the damage to the bike. Evidence is important for any kind of case. But can be especially helpful if you want to prove an accident wasn’t your fault. It’s in your best interest to keep track of all these details.
Conclusion
The most major step to take after being involved in a collision is to contact a skilled and experienced personal injury lawyer. The legal expert will help you to navigate the difficult legal process and prevent you from making any mistakes that can affect your claim negatively. They will make sure you understand what is always going on. Your attorney will keep you covered and make sure you get the justice that you deserve. It’s best to reach out to a trusted legal team immediately after your accident.
