As soon as a motorcycle accident occurs, it’s vital to seek legal advice from a specialized attorney with in-depth knowledge of state laws regarding these accidents. They will protect your rights and prevent you from making costly errors in court proceedings or negotiations with insurance agents. After such an incident, one of the key priorities should be seeking medical care immediately to treat injuries, as this creates an official record that can help future legal proceedings.
Seek Medical Attention
When a motorcycle accident occurs, the first step is to ensure everyone’s safety and call 911. Collecting information as much as possible, including witness testimony and crash scene photographs, is important. It is also important to refrain from apologizing at the location, as doing so could be construed as an admission of fault for the accident and skew the evidence in your favor later. Your next priority should be seeking assistance from a motorcycle accident lawyer from Berry Law and immediate medical attention. Medical professionals can assess concealed or underlying issues, even if your injuries are only minor.
Additionally, a medical evaluation provides an official record of your injury for legal purposes. There is a wide range of damages that may be awarded to victims of motorcycle accidents, including both financial and non-financial losses. Economic damages typically include medical costs, property damage, and missed income, while non-financial damages often encompass pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional trauma.
Report the Accident
It is crucial to call the police immediately after a motorcycle accident. The law enforcement officers will investigate the scene and generate a police report that can be used as evidence in court. When speaking to the police, it is best to stay calm and only state known facts about the crash. A good attorney will review the police report and look for clues about the accident. These may include skid marks, oil stains, damaged motorcycle parts, and other physical evidence at the crash site. Attorneys often rely on witness statements to determine which driver is at fault for a motorcycle accident. When a motorcyclist is injured in an accident, they may seek compensation for various losses, such as medical bills, loss of income, property damage, and pain and suffering. Navigating the legal landscape of helmet, traffic, and insurance laws can be complex, and a skilled attorney can help maximize the value of a claim. Even if the motorcyclist shares some of the blame for the accident, they may still be able to recover damages from the party at fault or their uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Collect Evidence
No matter who was responsible, evidence collection should always occur quickly after any motorcycle accident to establish what caused it, how severe your injuries were, and the amount of compensation due. Photos can help document key details of an incident scene, including vehicle damage and weather conditions. Witness testimony can also provide important insight into what occurred. Accident reconstruction experts and medical specialists can be helpful when providing objective analysis of incidents. Motorbike accident injuries typically cause more severe and lasting injuries, necessitating extensive medical treatment and often leading to lasting consequences. Therefore, you must keep track of any expenses associated with your recovery to accurately calculate your damages. This should include lost wages and costs related to the treatment of injuries sustained; also, records associated with your bike, including any modifications or aftermarket upgrades you may have installed since being involved in an accident, should be kept.
Hire an Attorney
Your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the crash, including speaking with witnesses and reviewing available surveillance footage. They also have access to expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction experts. These specialists can help determine liability accurately and support your case. A motorcycle accident attorney ensures that all your losses are covered, from medical expenses to pain and suffering. Insurers may fail to address these issues fully or deny your claim if you lack legal representation. Ask your friends and family for recommendations when searching for a motorcycle accident lawyer. They can share their experiences and explain how the lawyer fought for them. Schedule consultations with potential candidates to ensure they have the knowledge and strategic expertise to fight for your best interests. It would help if you evaluated whether they are personable and communicate clearly during the initial meetings.
