After a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to understand that the aftermath can be incredibly overwhelming. Being well-informed about the correct legal steps is essential to protecting your rights and ensuring fair compensation. This comprehensive guide outlines all the necessary legal actions you need to take following a motorcycle accident.
Call Emergency Services Immediately
After a crash, the most important thing to do is call 911 to report the accident and ask for medical help if anyone is hurt. This way, emergency people will arrive early to assist those with injuries and ensure the incident gets reported on paper. The report will be helpful when filing a claim or appearing in court for compensation.
Nearly 87.5% of motorcycle-related injuries require surgical interventions. It goes to show why it is essential to make an emergency call immediately because untreated injuries can only get worse with time. The call to 911 will create an official record of the accident, further solidifying your case legally.
Document the Scene Thoroughly
While waiting for emergency services, gather evidence at the scene if possible. Take photos of the accident, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses who will later testify in your favor.
Having detailed evidence means presenting a much larger case while negotiating with the insurance companies or in case legal disputes arise. The more evidence you show, the more your chances of getting a just settlement increase, which aids in reconstructing the scene of the crash accurately and makes it increasingly difficult for insurance companies to dispute the evidence.
Consult an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Legal consultation after the motorcycle accident works because you learn your rights and go through the litigation maze. This becomes possible by finding an attorney with expertise in motorcycle accident cases, ensuring one observes the appropriate procedures to claim the maximum amount possible from the case. Most personal injury cases are settled outside of court, although only around 5% reach the courtroom.
If your accident occurred in Atlanta, then an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer can assist in collecting additional evidence, interacting with the insurance company, and appealing before the court if a case develops for litigation. This would be particularly helpful if the accident happened due to negligence, including distracted driving, lousy road maintenance, or other factors.
With the hiring of a specialized lawyer, there is a high likelihood of getting a favorable settlement or verdict while in court. They can help navigate such legal intricacies and argue for the compensation deserved, which is greatly important when dealing with long-term medical expenses or lost wages.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company immediately to report the accident and give them all the information you have obtained, but do not make any recorded statement without consulting an attorney.
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts by using a person’s statements against them. If you report your case right away, the insurance firm will usually expedite its handling of your claim. In this way, you will guard your rights and avoid recorded statements unless you have consulted a lawyer and have minimized potential damage to your case.
Endnote
Knowing what to do immediately following a motorcycle accident can make the difference between protecting the law relating to your rights and getting a fair settlement. From dialing emergency services to consulting a particular attorney, every step will further establish your case and facilitate recovery from the accident. Not only will the steps be beneficial for legal claims, but they will also help in physical and financial recovery.
