The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. Along with any injuries you may have sustained, you also have to deal with insurance claims, medical bills, lost income, and more. It’s important to know your rights and take proactive steps to protect yourself, your finances, and your future after an accident. This article provides information and guidance on actions to take to defend your rights and receive fair compensation after a motorcycle collision.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
The first priority is always to get medical care for any injuries. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain temporarily. There may be injuries you are not immediately aware of. Getting prompt medical treatment creates a record of your condition and injuries right after the accident. This documentation will be important evidence if you have to prove your injuries later. Go by ambulance to the emergency room if needed. Follow up with your doctor as recommended. Keep all records of diagnoses, treatment, medications, and expenses.
Report the Accident to the Police
You should always report a motorcycle accident to the police, even if it seems minor. A formal report creates an official record of what happened. Be sure to get a copy of the police report for your records. The report will include details like all parties involved, witnesses’ statements, and who the police determined to be at fault. This evidence will strengthen your ability to recover damages if you have to file an injury claim or lawsuit.
Document the Scene Thoroughly
Get contact information and statements from any witnesses while events are fresh in their minds. Thorough documentation will help reconstruct how the crash happened and whether any factors like poor road maintenance, defective vehicle parts, or other negligence contributed to the accident. An Austin motorcycle accident attorney from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys will look at factors like this when putting together your claim.
Consult an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Speaking with a qualified personal injury lawyer from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys should be one of your first calls after leaving the hospital. A seasoned motorcycle accident injury attorney can advise you on how to protect your rights and build the strongest case for full financial recovery. A motor vehicle accident attorney can deal with the insurance companies for you while you focus on healing. Hiring legal counsel quickly also ensures evidence is preserved and gathered properly. Motorcycle accident law is complex. Do not go it alone against the insurance company’s team of adjusters and lawyers.
Cooperate with Your Insurance Company
A personal injury lawyer from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys will deal with the insurance company on your behalf. Be truthful in recounting events. Avoid speculation and assigning blame. Simply provide factual information. Attempt to locate and cooperate with the other driver’s insurance company as well. Being uncooperative can give insurance companies reason to deny or delay your claim. However, do not sign anything or record any statements without your attorney present. What you say can be used against you later.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
Make following your doctors’ and physical therapists’ instructions a priority. Adhering to treatment plans protects your health and also demonstrates the extent of your injuries and losses. Saving all treatment records helps verify damages when negotiating your settlement. Not complying with medical advice gives the impression your injuries are not that severe. Don’t return to strenuous work or activities too soon either. Doing so makes it harder to prove lost wages and diminished earning capacity. Let your attorney handle communications with insurance adjusters regarding your ability to work.
Maintain Records of All Losses and Expenses
In addition to medical bills, keep records of all accident-related costs and losses. This includes property damage, lost income from missing work, costs for help around the home if you are injured, medication and equipment expenses, transportation for medical appointments, and more. Keep receipts, copies of checks, payment explanations from health insurance providers, and any other documentation. These records establish the economic damages the at-fault party should compensate you for.
Be Cautious in Communications
Avoid posting about the accident on social media, which can be used to refute or undermine your claims. Be judicious in what you share over texts, emails or phone calls as well. Insurance companies will be looking for anything they can use against you. Let your attorney handle virtually all communications pertaining to your accident and claims. Do not accept any early settlement offers from insurers without your lawyer reviewing first. The initial offer is almost always much less than the full value of your losses and suffering.
How Long Do Claims Take to Settle?
The timeline for settling a motorcycle accident claim can vary quite a bit depending on the circumstances of the case. Here are some general guidelines:
- Simple, low-value claims may settle in a few months. These involve minor injuries, lower medical expenses, and clear liability.
- Typical claims often take 6 months to 2 years to settle. There are more injuries and damages to document. Negotiations tend to be more complex. It takes time to gather police reports, talk to doctors, etc. Most standard cases with representation may settle within a year.
- Major or complex claims can take 2+ years to conclude. Severe injuries, ongoing medical treatment, multiple parties, disputed fault, and other factors lead to lengthy investigations and negotiations. These cases often head to litigation and trial, extending the timeline.
- Claims involving fatalities or government entities as defendants may also prolong the process to 3+ years in some instances.
Having an experienced Austin motorcycle accident lawyer from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys on your side can help move the process efficiently towards a satisfactory settlement in the shortest timeframe possible. But motorcycle accident victims should generally expect the process to take a minimum of 6-12 months with complex cases taking much longer.
With the right preparation and legal support from Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys, you can obtain the maximum compensation you deserve.
Call us today on 800-4THE-WIN (800-484-3946).
