If you have been hurt in a motorcycle crash, there can be a whirlwind of questions in your mind. Things become confusing and stressful following any traumatic incident, but a motorcycle crash can be even more disorienting due to the seriousness of the injuries.
Motorcycle riders can be the safest riders in the world, but the carelessness of other drivers can create instant chaos. If you are having doubts about the best way to move forward after your accident, you are not alone.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have the legal right to pursue compensation. Even though New York is a no-fault state, there are exceptions to the rule. Learn more about what a Long Beach motorcycle accident attorney from Morelli Law can do to help you maximize your financial compensation.
What to Do and What Not to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Accident victims are often not aware of the things they should and should not do after a crash. Some of the things people commonly say and do can negatively impact their case, reduce their compensation, or even risk their ability to collect anything at all.
Before you talk to the insurance companies, learn the common mistakes people make that cost them thousands of dollars. The actions you take can save your ability to collect the full amount of compensation due to you.
The Long Beach motorcycle accident attorneys at Morelli Law want to protect the rights of injured motorcycle riders. To that end, we have compiled a list of helpful suggestions to follow after a motorcycle crash to protect your rights to claim the full amount of compensation that is due to you.
Do Seek Medical Attention After a Motorcycle Crash
Even a low-speed accident can cause permanent damage to your body. If you have not yet seen a physician to evaluate the extent of your injuries, do so now. We’ll wait. The reason it is so important to have a medical evaluation is because of the injuries you may not be able to see at first.
Adrenaline is familiar to motorcycle riders, but the rush of adrenaline after an accident can easily mask the pain and injuries that are present. While your body’s natural reaction to danger is to produce these endorphins to temporarily aid in your survival, they can also play tricks.
Late-onset injuries or delayed presentation of symptoms can be common and might be hiding internal organ damage, internal bleeding, bone fractures, or brain injuries. Protect yourself and allow a healthcare professional to look you over.
Long Beach Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Don’t Talk to the Insurance Company or Submit a Recorded Statement
You need to tell your own insurance company there has been an accident and you should give a brief statement to the police if you are physically able to do so. However, you are not required to give any statement or sign anything from the insurance company.
Compensation is very much at risk when talking to the insurance company. The adjuster’s main purpose is to reduce liability and minimize financial payout, and they are trained well. People often have their words twisted or used against them and it can damage their claim, so avoiding small talk is advisable.
It is free of charge to consult with a Long Beach motorcycle accident lawyer at our firm, and they will be happy to help. If you are offered a settlement, call our law firm and we can let you know if it sounds fair or if we would be able to help you. If you decide to use our services, we will handle the contacts with the insurance company for you.
Do Take Pictures and Video of The Accident Scene and Your Injuries
If you can, document the scene. Get pictures of traffic cameras in the area, the damage to your bike, and images of your injuries. If you can’t physically attend to this task yourself, call a lawyer or a friend to do it for you.
Having photos of the entire scene may reveal things that are crucial even though they initially appeared inconsequential. Gathering evidence and witness contact info before the scene is dismantled can make or break certain cases, so don’t hesitate to seek help.
Don’t Try to Handle the Insurance Company Without Legal Counsel
You can avoid missed opportunities, headaches, and hassle by having a lawyer deal with the insurance company for you. The biggest mistakes many people make are accepting undervalued settlement offers, or worse, saying something that gets their claim denied.
A Long Beach motorcycle accident lawyer will know how to handle the insurance company and can protect your rights while preserving your claim. Fighting for the maximum financial recovery is important because they are likely to offer you a tiny fraction of that upfront.
There is very little logic in settling for less than you deserve. Get the help of a lawyer so your case can be pursued in court if negotiations don’t yield a sufficient offer.
Do Avoid Social Media Platforms
Social media has a way of spreading news and information faster than anyone believes possible. What you post about your accident, your injuries or your activities can be ammunition for the opposing counsel, because social media can be used against you in court.
Things are often taken out of context and can be used to plant seeds of doubt in the minds of a judge or jury. An image of you having half a glass of wine at your best friend’s birthday party can be blown out of proportion quickly, so use extreme caution.