Riding a motorcycle can be a liberating experience. However, there are instances wherein accidents happen due to various factors. Here are some tips you need to know if you are in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident.
Know your rights
One of the primary things you need to know in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident is your rights as a rider. A reputable motorcycle accident lawyer suggests consulting a personal injury legal advocate who can guide you in asserting your rights. In this case, you may be eligible for a claim, mainly if the accident was caused by the negligence of the other party involved in the accident. You can still be compensated for your injuries if the incident was due to the road or weather conditions. Aside from consulting a legal advocate, research and educate yourself about your rights as a motorcycle rider. Take the time to understand the laws governing these accidents within your jurisdiction. From there, you can make better decisions about the next steps you need to take.
Get medical attention
No matter how minor your injuries seem to you, it would help if you always got medical attention following a motorcycle accident. This way, a medical practitioner can assess all your injuries accordingly. Remember that not all injuries manifest immediately. Some take time before showing any symptoms. In these instances, having an initial assessment will help medical practitioners establish the right course of treatment suitable for your case. Getting medical attention as soon as possible after the accident is also a good idea so the medical practitioner can record your injuries. You can use these medical records later on as significant evidence to support your claim.
Call the police
Another thing that you need to take note of when you encounter road mishaps, including motorcycle accidents, is to call the police. You must notify the local authorities, who can investigate the matter properly. They will indicate the possible causes of the accident, taking note of the names and contact details of the parties involved. When you talk to the police, stick to the accident facts. Avoid apologizing because this can be misinterpreted as an admission of fault, rendering your eligibility for a claim invalid later on. Ensure you secure a copy of this police report because this can help substantiate your claim later on. Rest assured that the police will also have a copy of the report should you lose the one you acquired from them.
Document the scene
If your injuries are minor and you can move about after the accident, it would help if you document the incident scene. This means taking pictures of the damage and injuries sustained by your motorcycle. Take shots of the road conditions or the weather that day to help show whether these can be significant factors causing the incident. Create a backup copy of the pictures you took because these can prove to be substantial evidence later on, not only to back your claim but also in court proceedings as deemed necessary.
Gather evidence
You need to gather evidence to support your claim after being injured in a motorcycle accident. Aside from the medical records upon check-up immediately following the accident, you also need to keep receipts of your medical bills to show how much you already spent on treating your injuries. Suppose you cannot come to work because of the injuries you sustained. In that case, you need to report this to your human resources department so they can document the number of days you missed work. These can also be compensated later on by the appropriate insurance provider. While the police report is substantial evidence, you should also talk to the witnesses present when the mishap happened. Their statement may corroborate with yours, strengthening your claim.
Notify the insurance
As soon as you have the pieces of evidence to support your claim, notify your insurance company immediately to begin the claims process. However, be cautious about how you communicate with them because anything you say can be prone to misinterpretation or admission of fault. Hence, it is also a good idea for you to let a legal advocate handle all the negotiations. Remember that insurance providers may attempt to downplay your injuries and coerce you to settle for a meager amount. This is where the services of a lawyer will prove to be beneficial. A reliable legal practitioner will ensure that negotiations are handled properly, allowing you to obtain fair compensation.
Pursue follow-up treatments
Getting immediate medical attention is a wise move, but depending on the injuries you sustained from the accident, you may need to pursue follow-up treatments. This will ensure your full recovery from the mishap you encountered. Rest assured that your follow-up treatments will be covered if you file the proper paperwork and are eligible for a claim. Ensure that before you ever set foot on your motorcycle, you are fully healed and in the best condition to be behind the wheel.
Seek emotional support
Finally, seek emotional support for the trauma you sustained from the accident. It can be as simple as spending time with your family and friends during this trying time. If necessary, you can also contact a professional therapist to help you cope with the accident’s aftermath. In many instances, the therapy sessions are also covered by the compensation for which the accident victims are eligible. Just ensure that you opt for a therapist with experience handling the same cases as yours. This way, you will be guaranteed that they can tailor a solution that can help you address your trauma.
Getting into a motorcycle accident can be devastating, and dealing with the aftermath of the incident is also challenging. Nevertheless, if you know your rights in these instances, you can assert them. Remember to seek medical attention and pursue follow-up treatments. Report the accident, document the scene, and gather ample evidence before notifying your insurance provider. Seek emotional support from your family and friends during this trying time. Rest assured that you will come out of this incident victorious with the proper guidance.
The post The Aftermath of a Motorcycle Accident: What Riders Need to Know appeared first on NSF News and Magazine.