By John Sherman
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that 88,000 motorcyclists were injured in 2015. Since motorcycles do not have the enclosed protection that cars have, personal injuries and fatalities are unfortunately common. Should a motorcycle accident occur, knowing how to protect yourself is essential. But even if you have not been in an accident, it can be helpful to understand the laws and insurance guidelines as they apply in your state.
What to Do If You Have Just Been in a Motorcycle Accident
1. Call the police
First, you should call 911 or the police directly. The police will gather the necessary information to file a report, which will be required to file an insurance claim. This report can also be helpful in court if you are moving forward with a personal injury lawsuit.
2. Seek medical treatment
Even if your injuries are minor, you should still seek medical treatment. You may have sustained internal injuries or a concussion that is not immediately apparent. Also, when you are evaluated by a medical professional, your injuries will be documented. This documentation can be valuable evidence for any litigation.
3. Do not admit fault
Assigning fault in an accident will differ based on the state where you live. Regardless of your location, you should stay neutral at the scene and never admit fault. This is not to say that you should not be truthful, but you also do not want to jeopardize your case by admitting blame.
4. Document everything
This includes:
ï Recording the contact and insurance information of the other driver
ï Taking pictures of the motorcycle, surroundings and landmarks
ï Making note of any witnesses, their names and contact info
The more information you provide the insurance company and your lawyer, the better.
5. Report the accident to your insurance company
Let your insurance provider know you were in an accident as soon as you can. Be prepared for them to ask you for information related to the accident so they can begin the claims process. Remember not to admit blame, but be truthful to the insurance company. If they find that you misled them, they could potentially deny your claim.
6. Avoid talking with representatives from other drivers’ insurance
It is not uncommon for representatives from the insurance companies for the other drivers to try to contact you to ask questions. They are skilled in what they do, especially when it comes to asking questions in a way that may benefit their company. It is advised that you do not have contact with these representatives until you have discussed the matter with your attorney. Continue reading ‘Motorcycle Accident: Everything You Need to Know About Filing a Claim’