It Is Essential to Take These Steps After a Motorcycle Crash
No one plans on being involved in a motorcycle crash, but unfortunately, they happen. Suppose you are lucky enough to walk away from the accident relatively unharmed. In that case, it is still essential that you take specific steps afterward in order to protect your rights and ensure your safety.
The steps you take immediately following a motorcycle crash can significantly impact your case if you decide to pursue legal action. It is essential to be aware of what to do – and not to do – to get the best possible chance of success.
Get medical attention
Getting prompt medical attention is essential after a motorcycle crash because if you have been injured, you will need medical treatment. Your health and well-being should be at the top of your priority after a motorcycle accident. Sound legal advice from a motorcycle accident lawyer in the Detroit area supports this, as motorcyclists are at an increased risk for severe and life-shattering injuries compared to other motorists. Many types of injuries can occur in a motorcycle crash, some of which may not be immediately apparent. For example, you may have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) even if you did not lose consciousness in the accident. It is vital to get a thorough medical evaluation after a motorcycle accident to diagnose and treat all of your injuries.
Also, if you do not seek medical attention, your injuries may become worse. And if you have been involved in a severe accident, it is essential to have a medical examination so that your injuries can be documented. Finally, if you plan filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit, the documentation from your medical examination will be very important.
Notify the police
If you get involved in a motorcycle crash, you must notify the police immediately. The police will investigate the crash and prepare a report. This report can be used to support an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
The police will also interview witnesses and collect evidence at the scene of the accident. This evidence can be crucial in determining who was at fault for the crash. Without a police report, it may be more challenging to prove that the other driver was at fault.
Collect evidence at the scene
One of the most essential things you can do after a motorcycle accident is to collect evidence at the scene. This may seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked in the heat of the moment. Why is collecting evidence so important?
There are many reasons why collecting evidence is an essential step to take after a motorcycle crash. First and foremost, evidence can be used to prove who was at fault for the accident. If you have photos or videos of the accident scene, this can be invaluable in helping to establish liability.
Second, evidence can be used to support your personal injury claim. If you have injuries resulting from the accident, your lawyer will advise that documentation of these injuries (including medical records) will strengthen your case. Similarly, if you miss time from work or incur other financial losses as a result of the accident, having evidence to support these claims will be important.
Finally, even if you don’t plan on taking legal action after the accident, collecting evidence can be helpful in protecting your rights. For example, if the other driver’s insurance company tries to lowball you on a settlement offer, having documentation of your injuries and damages can help you negotiate a fair settlement.
Speak to your insurance company
After a motorcycle crash, it is important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurance company can help you with any claims or repairs that need to be made. They will also be able to help you with any medical bills that you may incur. Contacting your insurance company is an essential step to take after a motorcycle crash.
Be cautious about giving a statement
When involved in a motorcycle crash, you must take caution before giving any statements, either to the police or your insurance company. This is because anything you say can be used against you and may result in you being held liable for the accident.
There are three main reasons why you should be cautious about giving a statement after a motorcycle crash:
- Your Statement Can Be Used Against You: It’s important to remember that anything you say after a motorcycle accident can be used against you, whether it’s to the police or to your insurance company. For example, if you tell the police that you “didn’t see” the other vehicle before the crash, this statement can be used against you to prove that you were at fault for the accident.
- Your Statement May Not Accurately Reflect What Happened: It’s also important to remember that your statement may not accurately reflect what happened during the motorcycle accident. This is because our memories are often inaccurate, and we may not remember all of the details surrounding the accident.
- Your Statement Can Be Interpreted In Different Ways: Finally, it’s important to remember that your statement can be interpreted in different ways. For example, if you tell the police that you “didn’t see” the other vehicle before the crash, this statement can mean that you were not paying attention to your surroundings.
It’s important to be cautious about giving a statement after a motorcycle accident. This is because anything you say can be used against you and may result in you being held liable for the accident. If you have any questions about giving a statement after a motorcycle accident, please contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.
Know your rights
Motorcycle accidents can have life-altering consequences. You must know your rights if you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident. Knowing your rights can help you make informed decisions about your case and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Most people are unaware of the many complicated laws surrounding motorcycle accidents. For example, did you know that motorcyclists are not required to wear helmets in some states? This may seem like a minor detail, but it can have a major impact on your case if you are involved in an accident.
Some laws dictate how much insurance coverage motorcyclists must carry. In some states, motorcyclists are only required to carry the minimum amount of insurance, which may not be enough to cover your medical expenses if you are seriously injured in an accident.
It is important to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can help you understand the laws in your state and how they apply to your case. An attorney can also help you build a strong case and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Photo by Mehmet Talha Onuk on Unsplash
No one wants to be involved in a motorcycle accident. Still, if it does happen, it’s essential to take the right steps afterward in order to protect your rights and ensure your safety. By following these tips, you can give yourself the best possible chance of success.
Featured Image by Alexander Fox | PlaNet Fox from Pixabay
