As we ease into the warmth of spring, motorcyclists are beginning to bring their bikes back out on the road. If you are unfortunately involved in a motorcycle accident due to another driver’s negligence, it’s helpful to be familiar with the necessary steps, both immediately and in the following days and weeks, to ensure that you can be compensated for your injuries and losses, as well as medical expenses and lost wages.
- Call the authorities – Of course, your own health is your first priority after an accident, especially as a motorcyclist who has far less protection than the driver of a passenger vehicle. Call 911 as soon as you’re safely able to do so and do not leave the scene; if there are no serious injuries among those involved which require immediate attention, be sure to obtain their contact/insurance information. If anyone has suffered a serious injury, do not attempt any maneuvers which should be handled by EMTs or the police.
- Record other important information – Although the police will record routine information about the accident, you should make a few of these notes yourself for future reference. Record the make, model, and license plate number of each vehicle involved and also take pictures of the scene and vehicle damage if you can do so safely. Also, remember that the police officer on the scene may record anything you say or do, so avoid misstating facts, over-exaggerating, and definitive statements about your injuries. Any of this could be used against you later, so keep any necessary responses as brief as possible.
- Retain health records – Keep all records of your medical treatment, procedures, and prescriptions after the accident. They serve as your undeniable evidence that your accident resulted in injuries and medical expenses and also demonstrate the extent of these damages.
- Contact your insurance agent – If you are contacted by an adjuster from the other driver’s insurance company, do not grant them an interview. It’s important to remember that their goal is to minimize the insurer’s payout and reduce your compensation in any way possible, so contact your own agent when you can. Be sure that you understand every extent of your coverage and also keep all records of repairs to your motorcycle and rental charges for transportation while it is being repaired.
- Contact a personal injury attorney – While your health is the top priority after an accident, the next-highest priority is contacting an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you cannot afford to negotiate alone against the insurance company and risk being under-compensated for your injuries and losses. You must ensure that your rights are protected with the assistance of an experienced attorney who is not paid a dime unless you receive compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact America’s Consumer Lawyer, LLC for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
Lastly, America’s Consumer Lawyer is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.
