What happens if you are injured in a motorcycle accident?
Have you been injured in a motorcycle crash that was not your fault? Find out what happens and how you can make a claim for personal injury.
What can be more liberating than you, your motorcycle and the open road? But as fun and freeing as it is motorcycling, if you are involved in an accident the risks are high. Unlike passengers in a car, there is little to protect you from injury when you are on a bike – and the consequences can be significant.
So what can you do if you are involved in an accident that is not your fault? And how can a motorcycle accident lawyer help? Let’s walk through the process.
Get medical help
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to get medical help straight away – even if you think your injuries are minor. Sometimes pain can be masked by adrenaline and shock, or your injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Not only will you get any care you need (even if you aren’t aware you need it) straight away, but you’ll also create a medical record of any injuries, which will be important later if you decide to make a legal claim.
Report the accident
Make sure you report the accident to the relevant authorities as soon as possible too (in some jurisdictions this is a legal requirement, especially if there are injuries or damage to property).
Gather as much evidence as you can
While you are still at the scene of the accident, make sure you gather as much evidence as you can. This can include photographs of the scene, any damage and road conditions.
Exchange information with all parties involved, including their driver’s license and insurance details. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information too.
Contact an attorney
It is wise to seek legal advice after a motorcycle accident. They will help you to understand your rights, guide you through the legal process, and work out whether you have a case for a personal injury claim. This can cover any medical expenses, compensation for injuries, and other losses.
Make an insurance claim
Let your insurance company know about the accident quickly too. Depending on your type of coverage, they may cover medical expenses and property damage. Give them as much accurate information as you can, but be wary of saying anything that might be used against you later.
Follow any treatment recommendations
It can take quite a while to recover from a motorcycle accident, and the journey can be tough. You could need ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. To increase your chances of a full recovery, make sure you adhere to any treatment recommendations.
Make a personal injury claim
If the accident was caused by another party’s negligence, you may decide to make a claim for personal injury. A claim can help you recover damages for losses such as medical expenses and rehabilitation, income, pain and suffering, and any damage.
Your Bellevue motorcycle accident lawyer will assess the accident, gather the appropriate evidence, conduct any negotiations with insurance companies and, if it comes to it, file a lawsuit for you. With their help you stand a greater chance of recovering any losses and getting back on the road sooner.
