Being involved in a motorcycle accident is a stressful experience, especially immediately after the impact. Often, there is confusion and uncertainty in the moments following the crash. Understanding the proper steps to take protects a victim’s rights from the moment of the accident until the final medical treatments. Discover who to call for help after getting into a motorcycle crash to protect your rights and get the best possible results.
Contact the Police
The first people to contact right after a motorcycle crash are the police. Don’t talk to anyone about the accident unless there are witnesses who are willing to provide their names and contact information. Call 911 to get emergency assistance, and file a police report to document the event. Never let the other party talk you out of reporting the accident to the police or your insurance company.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
In most cases, emergency medical assistance arrives with the police when a victim calls in a motorcycle accident. Always seek immediate medical care and treatment even if you don’t feel any pain at the moment. After the initial shock, you may discover injuries you did not notice at the time. A trained medical team will know what to look for and perform a complete examination. Plus, the medical care is covered by no-fault insurance, so always take advantage of this opportunity.
Report the Accident to the Insurance Company
The next step is to report the accident to the insurance company to ensure coverage for accident-related problems. Do not make any formal statements to any insurance representatives after the accident. While insurance helps cover expenses, the company is looking out for its own interests rather than the victim so they can pay as little as possible for the claim.
Talk to A Lawyer Immediately
Before talking to anyone else, contact a lawyer to find out your legal rights. In most instances, the initial consultation is free. In addition, if a lawyer takes your case, they do not get paid until you receive a settlement. An experienced legal professional knows exactly what to do after a motorcycle accident. From gathering facts to filing the claim on time, a lawyer takes care of all the details so you don’t have to.
Don’t Make Any Statements
Finally, it is crucial to avoid making any statements to parties of the accident, witnesses, and insurance representative until you consult an attorney. Any statements you make can be used to establish fault and minimize your possible settlement. Keep in mind that the insurance companies are looking out for their interests and want to pay as little as possible. As a result, victims are often offered a fraction of what their case is worth if they don’t have an attorney. Before talking to anyone or writing down anything, always discuss the matter with a lawyer.
Nobody plans to get into a motorcycle accident, but these unfortunate incidents happen every day. The best ways to be prepared are carrying the right amount of insurance and contacting a lawyer right after the accident. While you might not be able to avoid a motorcycle crash, you have control of everything that happens afterward.
Start by consulting with an experienced lawyer who will help you assert your legal rights and get the best possible settlement for your injuries and losses.
