5 Ways to Protect Your Rights When Involved In A Motorcycle Accident

If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, getting full compensation for your damages can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t seek the assistance of an experienced lawyer. The at-fault driver and their insurance company might try to blame you or downplay your injuries in a bid to minimise liability. Although motorcycle accident claims can be complex to pursue, you have legal rights to get compensated for your damages, and there are various steps you can take to protect those rights.

Your Legal Rights Following a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents are quite prevalent across the country, with a total of 82,528 motorcycle riders sustaining injuries in 2020. This translates to a total of 468 injuries occurring for every 100 million miles travelled over the course of that year. With these staggering figures, how do you protect your rights when involved in a motorcycle accident? You must contact experienced personal injury lawyers to help you get justice. Here are some pointers to help you prepare for your injury claim process:

1. Document the Motorcycle Accident

If you were not at fault for your motorcycle accident, you have a right to seek recovery for your damages. When a careless motorist’s actions lead to your accident, they are liable for your damages. However, the insurance company will look for excuses to reduce the amount of money they pay you. Some will try to get you to accept a much lower settlement than you deserve.

To protect your legal rights, make sure you gather evidence of the at-fault driver’s negligence, your damages, and the accident itself. Collect the evidence right after the motorcycle accident happens. Be sure to take pictures of your injuries, the at-fault driver’s vehicle, your bike damage, and the entire accident scene.

Also, make sure you exchange names, the at-fault driver’s contact information, and the vehicle’s insurance information. More importantly, report the accident to the police and have them create an accident report. It’s also helpful to talk to any witnesses and get their names and contact information.

2. Get a Full Medical Evaluation

Seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. This helps create a record of your injuries. If you wait too long, the insurer will try to claim that your injuries were not a result of the accident or that they were minor. Seeing a doctor will also help you recover quickly from the injuries and give you an idea of whether or not you might require future treatments, surgery, rehabilitation, or physical therapy.

Depending on your unique situation, you may want to reach maximum medical improvement before filing your claim. Otherwise, you may not have the best idea of what your ongoing medical costs may be.

3. Keep Records of All of Your Damages

Keep copies of all the necessary records, including police reports, medical bills, doctor’s notes, motorcycle repair costs, prescription medication receipts, and more. Keeping careful track of all damages and costs from the motorcycle accident will help show proof of damage during your insurance claim. If you need help gathering all the necessary pieces of information, contact a reputable motorcycle accident lawyer.

4. Don’t Sign Anything from The Insurance Company

Some insurance companies will want to pay as little as possible for your motorcycle injury claim. If the at-fault driver’s insurance company approaches you with an offer or asks you to sign anything, accept money, or issue you with a recorded statement, don’t accept it until you talk to your lawyer. Accepting a lowball settlement means the compensation won’t come close to covering all your damages.

5. Call a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Working with a motorcycle accident attorney is the best way to protect your legal rights every step of the way. You will need an attorney to evaluate your motorcycle accident case and help you build and file a solid claim. A good lawyer will also protect you from being exploited by the insurance company, which might try to play hardball on your claim.

Working With a Skilled Motorcycle Accident Lawyer!

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident and suffered injuries, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to ensure your legal rights are protected throughout all stages of your case. Working with a skilled lawyer also ensures you win the compensation you deserve by standing up to pushy insurance companies.