Car accidents happen frequently throughout the U.S., and motorcyclists are far more likely to get in a bad crash than regular cars. Knowing what to do if you’re injured in an accident is crucial not only to protect your health, but to defend your rights when you go to file a claim. Failing to call the police, talk to the other driver, or seek immediate medical attention can all impact your case down the road. Here’s what you should do if you get in an accident.
Call the Police
If the accident doesn’t seem severe, you may be tempted not to involve the police. It’s important to remember that there could be damage you don’t know about or injuries you haven’t yet discovered. Many states mandate that you have a police report to file an insurance claim, so failing to contact them could be detrimental if the damage turns out to be worse.
Get Medical Attention Right Away
Even if you don’t need emergency medical attention, you still need to see a doctor shortly after the accident. Try to get in before 72 hours have passed since the accident. Waiting can make it more difficult to link the accident to your injuries, and it’s possible for insurance to claim that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident, which can substantially reduce the amount you are rewarded. Request a copy of the report from the doctor to file away as evidence for the claim.
Gather Evidence
If you can, collect evidence of the accident at the scene. Take pictures of your motorcycle and any other damage that occurred. Exchange information with the other driver, including names, contact information, and insurance. Check to see if anyone witnessed the accident and speak to them. Get their statements if you are able, as these can be referenced when investigators try to determine who was at fault for the crash.
Call Your Insurance
You should inform your insurance company of the accident regardless of who caused it. If your coverage might apply to the accident, they need to know about it. Many policies have a certain window of time following the accident that you need to report by and missing the deadline could breach your agreement with them that results in waived compensation rights.
Seek Legal Aid
People run into problems all the time when filing an insurance claim. Sometimes there are disputes over who is liable for the accident, while other times the insurance company refuses to award you compensation. Call a motorcycle accident lawyer from Barry P. Goldberg, auto accident attorney, to see how they can help your case.
