If you are the driver of a motorcycle and are injured by a car in a vehicle collision, then there are important steps you should take to protect your rights and ensure you receive compensation for your injuries.
Make Sure You Are Safe
Being in an accident can be quite disorienting and even though you aren’t supposed to leave the scene of an accident, if you are hit by a motor vehicle, you should try your best to make sure you are not in danger of being hit again or getting hurt worse as a result of the initial accident.
Make sure you are off the road and away from traffic so that you avoid any potential collisions.
Get Medical Help
If you find that you are injured, you should seek immediate medical care. Motorcycle accidents can cause severe and even life threatening injuries if left untreated and it is best to get medical care as soon as possible after your accident. Remember that some injuries may not show up right away so a follow up visit may be necessary.
You’ll also want to visit a doctor to help document your injuries so that you may receive compensation for your personal injury case. The best way to prove damages is by having medical documentation and bills.
Report the Accident to the Proper Authorities and Gather Evidence
While you’re seeking medical attention you should also make sure to call the police and report your accident. This will help document the cause of the crash and build your case when it is time to go to court.
If possible it is a good idea to gather as much evidence as possible of your accident. Take photos of the scene, your vehicle, the other person’s vehicle and anything that contributed to the crash. You may also want to question nearby witnesses to see if they can help verify the details of the accident and bolster your case.
File With Your Insurance
While you wait to build your case to get compensation, you shouldn’t forget to file an accident claim with your insurance company. This will help cover medical bills and other expenses in the meantime and will improve your case as the insurance company will work with you to deal with the at-fault driver and find out the details of your accident.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Your next and most important step is to contact a personal injury attorney about your accident and get started filing your case. Your attorney will be able to help you through the process of filing your case, advising you on important deadlines and building your strategy to get compensation.
It’s important while building your case not to discuss the details with anyone and not to speak with the opposing insurance company. They have their own legal teams and will be working hard to disprove your case. Let your personal injury attorney work against them for you.
They may even approach you with a settlement offer. You should never accept a settlement offer unless your attorney negotiates one for you because any offer the at-fault party’s insurance gives you is going to be worth much less than your actual case. You deserve fair and just compensation for your injuries, not just what the insurance company chooses to give you.
