According to AutoInsurance, motorcycles make up only 3% of all registered vehicles in the US. In spite of this, they sadly account for 15% of all traffic fatalities. This fact highlights the danger of riding motorcycles compared to regular cars.
A motorcycle accident has the potential to drastically alter your day or even your life. It’s a scary situation, leaving you with injuries, a damaged bike, and a pile of worries. Suddenly, you’ve got medical bills to deal with, insurance companies to handle, and a whole lot of stress. It’s easy to feel lost and unsure of what to do, especially when you’re in pain or feeling overwhelmed.
A Manhattan Beach motorcycle accident lawyer says that if you or someone you love recently sustained injuries in a motorcycle crash because of another driver’s actions, you likely have grounds for a civil suit against the driver at fault.
Learn what steps to take after a crash and how a lawyer can guide you and protect your rights.
Ensure Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Safety should be evaluated after a motorcycle accident, and a doctor should physically examine you. Check yourself for injuries, and if possible, move to a safer location beside the road.
Calling 911 should be an immediate action, even if you feel alright. Some injuries take time to show. Try to keep calm until help arrives. Also, check if others need help.
Don’t remove protective gear unless paramedics say to, as it may worsen your injuries. Always remember that your health comes first.
After your injuries are realized and treated, you may go on with the next steps. Meanwhile, focus on your health and that of the other individuals involved in the accident.
Document the Accident Scene
Once people are safe and given medical care, you will need to document the site of the accident.
Start with taking photos of your motorcycle and other vehicles involved. Also include the road conditions. Do not forget to get various angles, including close-up shots of any significant mark, damage, or skid marks.
A record shall also be made of time, date, and weather conditions, as this will come in handy in the future. Interview witnesses and obtain their contact details as well, since their testimonies will bolster your case.
Write down how you remember it while your memory is fresh. Should the police show up, get the officer’s report number as well as their name.
The documentation will allow you to build a reliable record that will be especially critical should you consider filing a compensation case. You should also contact a personal injury lawyer, as they can help you gather evidence, strengthen your case, and maximize your compensation, according to https://www.jacquelinescottlaw.com/.
Notify Your Insurance Company
You should tell an insurance company immediately if you are involved in a motorcycle accident. Notify them of the incident, giving all necessary details such as the date, time, and location, among others. Include all parties involved.
Giving honest and detailed information is important since that helps in establishing a claim. Your insurers will explain the process to you, which usually involves filling out a claim form and giving supporting documents, such as the police report or medical report, etc.
Consult With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Consulting with a motorcycle accident lawyer can change the way the aftermath is dealt with. You would learn the stages of the legal process, possibly overwhelming when entered after an incident.
A proper lawyer will collect essential evidence, such as the police investigation report and statements from witnesses to support or strengthen your case. They will also negotiate with the insurance companies for you, avoiding your possible mistakes.
Their expertise will allow you to focus on recovering from your injuries while the legal work is handled. On the other hand, an attorney will even increase your chances of a fair settlement of damages and injuries.
Contacting a lawyer can help your case significantly with their expertise.
Understand Your Rights and Legal Options
An important concern after a motorcycle accident is knowing your rights and remedies against insurance adjustments and, normally, a possible lawsuit.
You are entitled to claim medical expenses, loss of wages, and the physical and emotional distress the injury has caused. Document everything for your betterment—accident details, medical records, and other important supporting documents collected.
It is also possible to seek a claim against the insured party, but keep in mind that an unproductive negotiation would inevitably lead to a lawsuit.
An accident lawyer for the motorcycle would walk you through these issues while making sure that you understand your rights and options and can, therefore, make informed decisions.
Don’t hesitate to fight for your rights because this is your best shot at making a fair settlement.
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