Riding a motorcycle can be thrilling, but it can also make you especially vulnerable to some of the worst dangers on the road. We hope you are never the victim of a motorcycle crash, but if you are, you need to know what to do after a motorcycle accident.
The steps you take after a crash can be the difference between receiving all the compensation you deserve from an at-fault driver and an unfair result in a settlement or court case.
One of the best steps you can take to help your motorcycle crash claim succeed is to talk to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney about your case.
At River Run Law, our experienced attorneys regularly hold at-fault drivers accountable and make sure they pay for the harm they caused our clients.
We can help you get the legal relief you deserve after a collision. Contact us today to learn more.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
After a motorcycle accident, you need to take immediate action to protect your health, your finances, your property, and your legal rights.
Making sure you are protected after suffering a crash probably seems daunting, but we can give you a checklist of tasks to complete that will help you improve your chances of success.
Report the Accident
If you or anyone else sustains an injury or property damage after a collision, you must report the accident to the authorities. In fact, if you are able to do so but fail to report your accident, you could be found guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.
Take Pictures and Collect Witness Information
You want to make sure you have evidence of exactly what the scene of the accident looked like immediately after it happened.
If you can, take pictures of your vehicle, the other driver’s vehicle, the condition of the road, injuries, and damaged property.
If you were with someone else during the accident, and you are unable to take photos, have your companion take pictures if they can. It is also crucial that you collect contact information from the other drivers and all accident witnesses.
Pursue Treatment
Your health is the most important thing to protect after an accident. However, mild your physical, mental, or emotional symptoms might seem right after an accident, make sure you speak to a healthcare professional right away.
Latent injuries are common in motor vehicle accidents, and sometimes what you perceive as minor discomfort is a warning sign of a serious injury.
Headaches, small changes in behavior, tingles, and soreness could be signs of:
- Concussion,
- Nerve injury,
- Internal bleeding,
- Traumatic brain injury,
- Blood clots,
- Spinal cord injury,
- Herniated discs, and
- Emotional trauma.
An at-fault driver should compensate you for all treatments you need and the impairments you experience as a result of an accident, so you need to know what those are.
Talk to an Attorney
Speaking to an attorney is vital to maximizing your compensation and increasing your chances of resolving your case successfully.
Dealing with motorcycle accident claims is complex and emotionally draining, and handling a claim on your own can be even more stressful because you also need to focus on recovering from your injuries.
Your attorney can handle gathering and presenting evidence, crafting strong arguments, negotiating with insurance companies, and making sure you meet important legal deadlines.
Address Property Damage and Financial Losses Right Away
Damaged vehicles and personal items should be replaced or taken to repair facilities as soon as possible. You should also keep a record of your wage losses, medical bills, invoices, and receipts for all payments you have made in connection with the collision.
It is important that you accurately account for every penny you have lost to put yourself in the best position to receive fair compensation.
What Not to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
There are a lot of responsibilities we can neglect when we are handling the devastating aftermath of a crash.
Hiring an attorney is the best way to avoid these mistakes and recover the compensation you need. Let’s take a look at what to steer clear of when you are a victim in a motorcycle accident.
Do Not Apologize or Admit Any Fault at the Scene
Saying the words “I’m sorry” can be a knee-jerk reaction for many of us. But even if you are just trying to make someone else feel better at the scene of an accident, an “I’m sorry” can place all the blame on you, even if the crash was not your fault.
And if you think you did something wrong, remember that accidents are disorienting, and you might not have all the facts.
You can check on others involved in an accident and call for help, but you should speak to an attorney before you make comments about what you think caused the crash.
Do Not Give Statements to the Insurance Company Without an Attorney
At some point after an accident, your insurance company and the at-fault driver’s insurance will likely want you to make a statement about what happened.
Speaking to an insurance company can be tricky and have serious consequences if you say something the wrong way.
Have your attorney present for any statement you make to help ensure that your words are appropriate and correctly understood and that your rights are protected.
Do Not Forget to Obtain a Copy of Your Accident Report
You have the right to receive a copy of the official report the authorities made regarding your accident, and you should exercise that right.
The at-fault driver’s insurance company will likely want to see it as well, and it can be a great source of witness information and other evidence for your case.
Do Not Ignore Doctor’s Orders
You need to stay on top of all treatment recommendations your providers give you after an accident. By seeking treatment and regularly checking in with your providers, you can help your recovery.
Also, gaps in treatment give insurance providers and defendants opportunities to claim that new developments in your symptoms are the result of incidents other than the accident.
Your healthcare visits give courts and insurance providers a more accurate picture of your accident-related treatment needs and prevent the defendant from denying liability for your damages.
Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Virginia Are Ready and Able to Champion Your Rights
At River Run Law, our motorcycle accident attorneys in Richmond, VA have a successful track record of holding at-fault drivers accountable for the injuries and losses they caused.
We can protect you throughout the claim litigation or settlement process and help maximize your recovery. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, contact us online or by phone to schedule a free consultation.
Where You Can Find Our Richmond Office
Casey Ariail
Casey is a founding partner at River Run Law Group. Casey has tried numerous cases across the Commonwealth in both General District Court and Circuit Court. He has earned millions of dollars for his clients through trials, mediations, and settlements.
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