Motorcycle accidents are no laughing matter. With dozens of injuries and fatalities each year, it is not to be taken lightly or joked about. While many people ride motorcycles for the sheer adrenaline rush these vehicles give off, others use them as their primary source of transportation to work. If an accident happens, and you don’t know what to do, here are some tips to help you.
1. Get a motorcycle accident lawyer
The first thing that usually happens after a motorcycle accident is someone calling 911. Time is of the essence, so medical assistance is on its way. Your motorcycle accident lawyer should be contacted immediately, so he can get to work right away. He will gather all necessary information such as police reports, eyewitnesses, and insurance records. Having a motorcycle accident lawyer by your side will ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve. If you have been injured in the crash, he will take care of everything from getting your medical bills paid for to ensure that your family’s future financial security—in case you die during the accident—is guaranteed through life insurance plans. This means less stress for you while you’re recovering in the hospital.
2. Seek immediate medical attention
If you’ve recently been involved in a motorcycle accident, you should seek medical assistance as soon as possible. You never know what could be wrong with you because the crash might have aggravated any pre-existing injuries. If someone else was at fault for your accident, you can sue them to pay for your personal injury treatment. This means that your medical expenses will not only be paid for but also reimbursed by the person who caused the crash. Also, keeping the evidence of the accident means that you can prove you were injured and how much these injuries have affected your life.
3. Do NOT admit guilt or accept blame
You are hurt and angry, which is understandable. However, do not admit guilt or take responsibility for the accident because this statement will be recorded. If you need to defend yourself in any way, always say “I’m sorry” instead of “It’s my fault”. Even if it really was your fault in the end, the only time you can accept blame is in court in front of a judge or jury when all facts have been presented. This is why it’s important to have a motorcycle accident lawyer by your side. Chances are, you won’t even see court because the other party will be afraid of facing an even bigger lawsuit to continue with the trial.
4. Get a copy of all police reports
The police report is part of your motorcycle accident lawyer’s evidence against the defendant. You can ask for a copy as well to see if there are any gaps that were missed by authorities. If you don’t like what was written in the report, you can always contest it and tell them why they’re wrong. Your motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to help with this process after filing all necessary paperwork on your behalf. The copies obtained are also significant in case you decide to go to court later because this is what they will use as evidence. You can never be too careful when it comes to your health and safety. This means that the reports you get should be accurate and thorough.
5. Never make a deal to settle the case “out of court”
If you receive a settlement offer, do not accept it. You only have one chance to sue for compensation, so you should take full advantage of this opportunity. If you settle out of court, you will miss your chance to get all the money needed to pay off medical expenses and for lost income. The amount might suit you at first, but after some time has passed since the accident, you might realize that it’s just not enough. Your motorcycle accident lawyer knows what is best for your case, so if he feels that accepting an initial settlement will work against you later on, do not let him talk you into compromising with the other party.
6. Negotiate compensation with a motocycle accident lawyer
If you are unhappy with the settlement offer given to you, don’t accept it right away. It’s your right to negotiate for more money. If you don’t, then the defendant will know that their offer was good enough, and they can use the same amount later on as a settlement. Your motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to help you get the compensation that matches your injuries and lost income, so it’s important to show him all the damages you’ve suffered during this process. It is never too late or early to ask for more because there are always other parties who might be willing to pay even more than what has been offered.
Receiving compensation is never easy for motorcyclists because they are usually the ones responsible. However, this does not mean that you should give up on your case. When hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer, make sure to tell him about everything that happened before, during, and after the crash, so he can build a strong case. Good luck!
