Steps after a Motorcycle Accident

It can be a frightening experience to be in a motorcycle accident. These types of crashes are intense and victim often ends up with catastrophic injuries that take months – if not years – to recover from.

Many victims are unsure what steps they should take after they have been injured in a crash, especially if they have never been in any type of accident in the past. Victims and their families are understandably so focused on the injuries and recovery that they are not sure how and if they are protected legally and what they should do.

The legal team has been advocating for motorcycle accident victims for years and understand the devastating impact these crashes can have on a family. The following is a brief overview, but for more information, please contact one of our accident attorneys.

At the Crash

Whenever a vehicle accident occurs, drivers are required to stop. If there is an injury, then 911 should be called. Although the law only requires that law enforcement be called only if there has been an injury, our motorcycle accident attorneys recommend that police should be called even if the parties do not think that anyone has been injured. There are a few reasons for this.

First of all, by contacting the police, the accident will be legally documented so neither party – especially the at-fault party – can deny it later on. Secondly, the officer who responds to the crash will complete an accident report which your motorcycle accident attorney will be able to use as evidence against the other party.

Seeking Medical Attention

Once police have arrived and drivers have exchanged information, anyone injured should seek medical attention. If necessary, someone should call 911 for emergency medical assistance. Even if you do not think you are injured, you should be checked out by a doctor.

There are many types of injuries victims of vehicle accidents sustain that may not show symptoms for a few hours or even a few days after the crash occurred. These include internal injuries, brain injuries, and soft tissue injuries.

Having a doctor diagnose your injuries immediately following the crash will also make your accident claim stronger. One of the most common tactics insurance companies use to deny claims is to say the victim either was not really injured or will try to claim the injuries occurred after the accident, hence the delay in seeking treatment.

Filing Claims and Insurance Companies

Although you need to report the accident to your own insurance company, you should never speak to the other driver’s insurance company without first speaking with a motorcycle accident attorney. Any statement a victim makes to the company can be used as evidence and insurance adjusters are specifically trained in tactics to get people to say things that could sound as if they are admitting fault. For example, if you a victim says they are sorry the crash happened, the insurance company could use that statement as an admission of guilt and deny the claim.

Victims should never sign any documents or any other paperwork without first consulting with their attorney, regardless of what the insurance company may tell you. In the event you need legal assistance, do not hesitate to contact a professional motorcycle accident lawyer Dekalb County GA locals trust to assist you.

Do not take a chance of jeopardizing your right to receive financial compensation for all of the losses you have suffered because of another driver.

Thank you to Andrew R. Lynch, P.C Attorney at Law for providing their insight on motorcycle accidents and authoring this piece.