The lack of protection renders motorcycle riders more highly vulnerable to fatal injuries than car drivers. You would be fortunate to survive a horrific crash with just bruises and scrapes. Even so, you still need to get compensated for the injuries you sustained no matter how minor, especially if you’ve done your part in making the road safer.
You have the legal right to pursue another motorist for causing an accident. It’s only a matter of knowing what to prepare for when filing a motorcycle accident claim. Here’s a guide to show you how:
1. Always gather concrete evidence on site
Reinforcing your accident claim requires gathering quality evidence. The best time to do that is immediately following the crash. Considering how the environment changes, it’s important to take pictures of the scene before first responders arrive. Document the damage to your motorcycle, the other party’s vehicle, and nearby establishments.
You should also document eyewitness testimonies by talking to bystanders and other motorists who saw the accident unfold. Take names and write down details immediately. Don’t wait weeks to gather testimonies because you may not locate these people again or they may have a different recollection of what happened which could affect your claim.
2. Keep stock of important paperwork
The amount of compensation you would get will depend on the amount of evidence you possess, but it’s not the only factor determining the outcome of your claim. To substantiate the extent of the accident’s damage, keep any documents that can help increase the potential payout. Keep receipts on repairs to your motorcycle including towing.
You should also gather details of the medical bills you’ve incurred. In addition to treatment and follow-up checkups, you should keep copies of medical records including X-ray and CT scan results. These are substantial in getting your and the other party’s insurance carrier to cover your actual medical costs.
3. Include long-term damages to the claim
When filing a motorcycle accident claim, you wouldn’t want to focus only on the immediate medical and repair costs. You should also take into account economic damages. These entail the weeks or months you stayed bedridden and unable to work, resulting in a loss of income. You will need to recover these missed earnings and all other long-term expenses if the accident leads to permanent disability.
It’s also important to mention how the accident caused trauma. Severe collisions may lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder which affects a victim‘s well-being. By undergoing a psychological assessment and obtaining a report detailing the accident’s emotional effects, you may be entitled to an amount higher than the initial claim.
4. Enlist a skilled legal expert
Getting the compensation you deserve won’t be possible if you lack skilled motorcycle accident attorneys by your side. It’s difficult enough to gather evidence and you also need to navigate around the legal strategies the other side may throw at you. There’s a good chance you won’t get a proper payout when your side doesn’t have the skills and experience. Choose a lawyer with an impressive track record of helping motorcycle accident victims maximize their claims.
Endnote
The effects of a motorcycle accident will persist in the long run. It’s best that you know how to maximize your claim and get compensated for the actual losses you have suffered.
