Riding motorcycles can be thrilling, but like with every other adventure, it comes with risks. Getting into a motorcycle accident can result in severe and life-threatening injuries. This is because motorcycles lack protective covers and are lighter than your average vehicle.
In this article, you will learn the steps to take after a bike crash to secure your health and compensation for damages.
Table of Contents
Check Yourself for Injuries
Safety comes first, examine yourself to ascertain any visible crash wounds.
“It is crucial to remember that some signs may take time to manifest. Hence, seeking treatment is essential, whether or not you have visible contusions,” says personal injury attorney Joseph G. Kopfler of Kopfler & Hermann.
Move to Safety
If you can, get away from traffic by the side of the road. Under no circumstances should you leave the scene, as this could culminate in a criminal offense. Also, don’t attempt to move your motorcycle just yet. Doing so could tamper with evidence.
Call 911
Do you have access to your phone? If so, call the authorities and request medical assistance. Dial 911 or ask anyone close by to do it for you. As you wait, try to inspect the scene, if you can.
Take Pictures and Videos
Use your mobile phone to record pictures and videos of the scene. Be sure to capture the damage to your motorcycle and the vehicle(s) from different angles. If there is property loss, record these details as well.
This evidence will be significant when seeking compensation as it contains raw information investigators can use to determine the at-fault party.
Exchange Contact Information With the Other Driver
Politely approach the other driver and ask for their contact and insurance information. Here is what you will need from them:
Call Your Insurance Company
Next up, call your insurance company and provide an accurate depiction of the situation, as failure to do so could get you into trouble. However, before accepting any settlement offer, contact your attorney.
Contact Your Personal Injury Attorney
A personal injury attorney is your guide to navigating your post accident journey. With experience handling similar cases to yours, they can advise you on best practices, including rejecting lowball settlement offers.
Insurance companies are businesses first; the less money paid to claimants, the higher their profits. Hence, the early settlement offer is rarely in your best interest.
Insurance adjusters will also tend to clever techniques to coerce you into settling for less. For one, they may try to act like they are on your side, and try gaining an audience with you in the absence of a lawyer.
Therefore, it is best to leave it to your attorney to negotiate with them. They will accurately calculate the damages you are entitled to and fight for nothing less.
Conclusion
If you are involved in a motorcycle crash and have your wits about you, following the steps outlined can set the stage for a smooth recovery process, complete with compensation for your damages.
