Did you know that even a seemingly minor, innocent mistake can jeopardize your ability to recover fair compensation after a motorcycle crash?
The steps you take immediately after a crash and in the weeks or months following the incident could greatly impact the success of your claim.
Keep reading to find out what a motorcycle wreck attorney, Stewart & Stewart, identifies as the six most common mistakes motorcycle accident victims make after a crash and how to avoid them.
1. Failing To Report the Accident
By law, Indiana requires you to submit an accident report in the event of bodily injury, death, or property damage that exceeds $1,000. You can do this by calling the police, which is generally a good idea anyway. The reason is that the police report can be used as evidence to support your case.
2. Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
You may be tempted to avoid visiting the doctor if you don’t have an obvious injury or you have concerns about paying the medical expenses. However, according to a motorcycle wreck attorney, it’s vital that you visit the doctor promptly to receive an evaluation.
Failing to see a doctor can be detrimental to your health, especially if you have internal damage or an injury that manifests itself later. Further, the insurance companies are likely to conclude that your injuries aren’t as serious as you might later claim if you did not get treatment right away.
3. Forgetting To Gather Evidence
It can be difficult to think clearly at the scene of an accident and during the immediate aftermath. However, the earlier you document evidence, the better chance you have of building a strong case.
It’s recommended to collect the following photographic and video evidence:
- The accident scene
- Any injuries
- Property damage
- Road conditions
- Screenshots of license plates, insurance cards, and contact information of the other party or parties
4. Admitting Fault
Never apologize for what happened or make any statement that can be construed as an admission of fault, negligence, or liability. Even if you think you could be fully or partially to blame for what happened, resist the urge to confess.
Do not speak with any other parties at the scene, and limit your dialogue to what is necessary to communicate with law enforcement personnel. Once you hire a motorcycle wreck attorney, your legal representation should handle all conversations moving forward.
5. Accepting the First Offer from the Insurance Company
Insurance companies notoriously offer lowball insurance settlements in an attempt to capitalize on your desperation to make ends meet and pay off medical bills. However, the first offer is bound to be less than what is actually fair, and you should be wary of agreeing to a settlement figure without discussing it with your attorney.
A motorcycle wreck attorney will consider several other variables, including long-term costs and future medical needs that may warrant additional compensation.
6. Posting on Social Media
We live in a digitally connected world and with the majority of U.S. adults having at least one social media account, it can be tempting to share what happened, as well as snippets from our daily lives.
However, even a seemingly innocuous post can be used against you. For example, claiming you’re injured and miserable, but a post that shows something as basic as going out to dinner with friends and smiling could jeopardize your credibility.
Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Wreck Attorney
Don’t wait weeks or months after a crash to contact a personal injury attorney for legal representation. At Stewart & Stewart Attorneys, we have extensive experience handling motorcycle accident claims and will work diligently to advocate for your best interests. Call us at 800-333-3529 to request a free consultation.