When a motorcycle is involved in an accident, the injuries the rider sustains can often be more serious than incidents involving two passenger vehicles. This can result in lifesaving emergency care, lengthy hospital stays, rehabilitative treatment and other costly medical expenses.
An injured motorcycle driver can file a personal injury claim against the other driver if they want to recover compensation for their medical costs and other damages. This will often require proving the other driver was in some way negligent and ultimately at fault for the accident and resulting injuries.
After an accident, there are a number of steps a motorcycle rider can take in order to stand the best chance of being successful in their personal injury claim against the other driver.
Gather Evidence and Information
The scene of an accident contains a lot of important details that are beneficial in proving who was at fault. As such, it is always best to begin gathering information and collecting evidence immediately following an accident.
However, this isn’t always practical or feasible if the motorcycle driver is injured and requires medical transportation from the scene. Of course, seeking medical attention should be the first priority after being injured in an accident, but when injuries are minor enough that allow a motorcycle driver to navigate the scene, it is a good idea to take pictures, talk to witnesses, and note any important details, if at all possible.
After an accident happens, a motorcycle accident attorney can assist with gathering evidence in order to prove fault. This can include things like obtaining a copy of the police report, speaking to witnesses, and helping to document injuries and medical treatment. All of these details are important factors in recovering compensation in a personal injury case.
Receive Proper Medical Care
Motorcycle drivers should always seek medical attention as soon as possible following an accident even if they do not immediately feel injured. Often, accident injuries do not set in right away as individuals may be in a state of shock or have excessive adrenaline flowing that keeps them from feeling pain symptoms.
Receiving a medical evaluation after an accident is helpful in identifying injuries that otherwise may not be immediately apparent. It also demonstrates a motorcyclist is doing everything possible to address potential injuries and helps to disprove exaggerated injury claims further down the line once a personal injury claim is filed.
Prompt medical care also begins the important process of documenting injuries and treatment which will be used in valuing a personal injury claim during settlement negotiations.
File an Insurance Claim
Once medical care has been sought and injuries addressed, it is important to notify the appropriate insurance companies as soon as possible. For motorcycle drivers, this will usually involve contacting their insurance company as well as the other driver’s carrier regarding their intent to file a claim. State laws set limits on the amount of time motorcyclist have to file a personal injury claim. It’s always best to file an insurance claim as soon as possible to ensure claims are made within these allowable times.
For motorcyclists injured in an accident, there are steps they can take to ensure their rights are protected. This includes taking care of their medical needs, collecting important evidence, and notifying insurance companies. Doing so will strengthen their personal injury case and increase their likelihood of proving fault and recovering compensation from the at-fault driver.