According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), one of the most important things to do to protect your right after a motorcycle accident is to stay at the scene. Dialing 9-1-1 for medical help and law enforcement can be a good next step. Remember that how you conduct yourself at the accident scene can also help immensely with protecting your rights.
At the scene, you must stay calm and collected. Cooperate fully with the authorities and avoid any arguments with other drivers. Even something as innocent as saying “I am sorry for what happened” can be interpreted as admitting fault. Be very careful and remember that anything you say could be used against you by the at-fault party.
Gather evidence at the scene
If you can do so without putting yourself in any danger, start gathering evidence of your motorcycle accident right away. This evidence can include photographs or videos of the scene. Make sure you capture all the vehicles involved.
Most importantly, do not leave before you have secured the contact details of all drivers. You should also get information on any eyewitnesses involved in the accident. You will want the full details of all the drivers, including addresses and insurance information.
Seek medical advice
If you declined medical assistance at the scene of the accident, and you are later developing any symptoms, seek medical advice immediately. Initially, you might believe your minor headache or persistent twinge in the back has nothing to do with the accident. However, you could potentially suffer from a delayed-onset injury, such as a herniated disc or traumatic brain injury.
According to the Mayo Clinic, it can take weeks before individuals experience symptoms from a traumatic brain injury. However, if you leave it for weeks before seeing a doctor, you may struggle to recover compensation even if the traumatic brain injury is a result of your motorcycle accident. The at-fault party and their attorney could argue that your injury has nothing to do with the accident as you did not seek medical advice within a reasonable timeframe of the crash.
Hire a motorcycle attorney
One of the best ways, if not the best way, to protect your rights after a motorcycle accident is hiring a personal injury law firm. An attorney with a track record of handling motor vehicle claims can work on protecting your rights from day one. They’ll make sure you take all the right steps, so you have best possible chances for obtaining adequate compensation.
Having a passionate attorney on your side can be especially helpful if you suffered significant injuries that will most likely disrupt your home life and career for many years to come. If someone else’s negligence led to your accident, you could generally seek damages for your losses and your suffering.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can calculate your damages, including any future expected medical bills and income losses, and help you pursue a fair settlement from the at-fault party’s insurance. If the insurance company drags its heels, your lawyer knows how to fight for your rights in court.
The attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices can fight for your rights to compensation
We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients in motor vehicle accident claims and could help you get what you deserve too. Contact us as soon as you can to protect your legal rights and learn about your potential compensation. Call us now for a free case review at (888) 522-6291.