Your Motorcycle Accident Injury Claim
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, several factors– insurance coverage, police report and medical records—better ensure that you will have a successful motorcycle accident compensation claim.
You must provide evidence that the accident was caused by another driver who was not paying attention or who was driving in a careless or reckless fashion, and as a result, directly caused your accident or injuries.
The most important thing you can show is a current and correct motorcycle insurance policy. If you don’t have adequate coverage, most states limit your options after an accident, particularly in states with no-fault insurance rules. If the other driver cannot be held liable for your accident, and you have no insurance, then your medical bills and repair bills will likely have to come out of your own pocket.
Of course, medical attention for yourself and others should be the first priority. Even if everyone feels fine, call medical help anyway to create the medical records report. The insurance adjusters and court judge will need it later anyway, as part of the complete picture of your injury state. These reports help to establish what your injuries were immediately after the accident.
Many people who are in motorcycle accidents often require lengthy and expensive future medical care. Having detailed medical reports reduces the likelihood you will be accused of exaggerating your injuries.
If you are not injured, collect accident documentation at the accident scene if you are able to do so. Take photographs, write down names and contact information for any witnesses, and get the name and insurance information of the other driver(s) involved. If you’re not able to, ask someone else to collect this information for you.
You should immediately call the police to report the accident. When they arrive on the scene, they will collect their own evidence and get witness statements. Call the police even if you think you may be at fault. You still need a record of the accident. And remember, fault does not necessarily translate into a liability.
As soon as possible, notify your insurance company. You can also call the other driver’s company to notify them that you intend to file a motorcycle accident injury claim. Insurance companies have strict time limits for reporting a claim, so be sure to report yours in a timely manner. They can reject the claim if you wait too long. Lawyers often cite the failure of proper notice to make you look dishonest in court, and it definitely hurts your chance of success. If you’re hospitalized, have someone make the claim for you. Never let it go unreported.
Last but not least, you should consult a lawyer, even if you don’t plan to file a suit. Even a short consultation can help assure you that you have everything you need to file your motorcycle accident compensation claim.
