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Motorcycle accidents are terrifying because of the high probability of severe injury or death. Even the most skilled riders fall. Shockingly, most of these individuals don’t know the correct procedure to take after being involved in an accident. The first and most important thing to do is seek medical attention.
After your motorcycle crash get an attorney who’ll guide you through the legal process. These professionals leverage their legal experience to ensure you get the compensation you deserve while helping you recover. Since they’ll tell you what to do, here is what not to do if involved in a motorcycle accident.
Refusing To Seek Medical Treatment
It is always best to seek specialized treatment, even if you have not sustained a significant injury. Seeking medical attention could disclose hidden ailments, including concussions and internal bleeding. Medical records can also serve as evidence, strengthening your case in court.
Failing To Inform the Authorities
It would help if you informed the authorities of the accidents. Ensure you mention the damages and injuries sustained to help calculate your claim’s value. If needed, the police report contains the driver’s information, witness statements, and accident details.
A report is made to the first officer at the scene. Before making a claim, most insurers advise clients to file a report. However, having an attorney who will guide you is the best alternative.
Failure To Collect Evidence
During your case hearing, the evidence gathered is crucial. Not collecting evidence means you have nothing to prove the damages and injuries from the accident. It includes witness statements, incident pictures, insurance information, and medical records.
Admit Fault
Whatever the accident, you should never admit fault. Decisions in the future about lawsuits or filing a claim will be affected by admitting fault. Getting compensation is difficult once you admit fault.
Admitting fault means you are taking financial responsibility for damages caused. Instead of admitting, remaining silent until your lawyer comes is better. You should also try to document the crime scene to help prove you’re not at fault.
Giving Recorded Statement
Never offer your version of events to the other driver or the insurance company. It could be used as a deposition if they so choose. Accident victims frequently make statements under emotional duress that eventually damage their claims. The courts will use any misunderstandings in your recorded statements against you.
Accept Offer By The Other Drivers Insurer
Most insurance providers will offer to pay for damages. The insurance company makes an offer that is lower than what you expected. The company will even refuse to make payments despite their insuree being at fault, called insurance bad faith.
Undervaluing the damages happens when a victim accepts an offer from the insurance company without consulting an attorney. A qualified attorney ensures maximum compensation.
Believe An Insurance Company Is on Your Side
The primary objective of your insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company is to keep making money. The insurance company is not the ideal advocate because your interests and the firms may conflict. Having legal representation could prove helpful.
Failing To Contact Your Insurance Provider
Most drivers who cause accidents would rather deal directly with each other than with their insurance company. Don’t ever let the driver pay without first contacting the insurance company.
Injuries are often more severe than initially thought. The driver may be dishonest or unable to cover these costs alone. The insurance provider will not pay out on your claim if you do not disclose the incident within the required time frame.
Accidents involving motorcycles cause expensive losses. Insurance companies cannot be relied upon to make the necessary compensation. However, having a competent attorney to help gather evidence, prove the case, and understand the law will improve the chances of maximum compensation.
