What should I do after being involved in a motorcycle accident?
The hours, days, and weeks after a motorcycle crash are undoubtedly a difficult time, often bringing a painful recovery and overwhelming insurance discussions. Here are some things you can do in the aftermath to protect your health and your rights:
- Get prompt medical treatment. Be sure to tell your doctor that you were in a motorcycle accident. Not only is this important for your medical prognosis, but it will link your injuries to the crash. That makes it harder for an at-fault party or insurer to claim that your injuries were caused by something else or weren’t as serious as you claim. If you must miss work as a result of your injuries, be sure to ask your doctor for an out of work note.
- Let your own car insurance company know about the accident. Your policy likely requires you to do so promptly, typically within a few days, if you might use your uninsured or underinsured coverage, medpay or collision coverage. Stick to the facts – avoid going into unnecessary details or saying anything that might suggest you think you were at fault. Don’t agree to any recorded statements without a lawyer.
- Start an evidence file. This should include documentation such as copies of your medical records and bills, out of work notes, repair estimates, any communications with your employer, and past pay stubs or other evidence of lost wages. Also, include a written account of the incident and your symptoms, as your memory can fade more quickly than you would think.
- Be careful what you say to people about the crash, particularly representatives with the other party’s insurance provider. If it’s possible, stay off social media entirely, but especially avoid posting about the incident or your injuries. Anything you say about the accident could be used against you down the road.
- Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as you can. The attorneys at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks can review your case and help you protect your rights from the beginning. The sooner you involve our legal team, the sooner we can start collecting evidence, handling insurance companies, and building your personal injury claim.
