Best Strategies to Receive Compensation after a Motorcycle Accident

Any accident, especially a motorcycle crash, is never a joke. Motorcycle accidents injure and kill hundreds of people in the United States annually. 

Apart from commuting, some ride motorcycles to trigger an adrenaline rush. No matter your reason for riding, nothing should compromise your safety. You should be intentional about your safety by being law-abiding and proactive in protecting yourself. 

However, if an accident eventually happens and you are not its cause, you deserve compensation. Do you know how to go about this? This article gives invaluable suggestions on the proper steps after a motorcycle mishap to recover compensation. 

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Begin to hunt for an experienced and result-proven motorcycle accident lawyer immediately after a mishap. Hiring an attorney immediately after an incident is advantageous because they will get down to business when everything about the accident is still fresh. They will quickly collect essential sources of evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and insurance files. 

You will likely shortchange yourself if you proceed with the case without hiring a personal injury attorney. Cases like this are highly technical and can be slippery in the hands of a naïve fellow. A trusted and proven motorcycle accident lawyer knows how to help you receive proper compensation, ranging from your medical costs to life insurance to cater to your family financially if you eventually die from the accident.

Get Medical Support

The golden rule is safety first! If you are involved in a motorcycle crash, your first preoccupation is adequate and prompt medical attention. Even if you appear unhurt, it is advisable to seek medical attention still because you might be unaware of internal injuries. Also, the incident may have worsened pre-existing wounds. 

It is to your detriment to assume you are not hurt. Never underestimate cuts and bruises. Leave other issues to your lawyer while you focus on healing. 

Do Not Accept Any Blame

Parties involved may flare up after a motorcycle crash. However, be careful with your choice of words while anger is raging. Never impatiently accept blame. 

In that circumstance, the best form of self-defense is to say “I am sorry” instead of “I accept that it is my fault.” You are neither an attorney nor a judge, so it is premature to accept that you caused the mishap blatantly. 

Even if you caused it, do not take responsibility without your lawyer’s approval. The courtroom is the best and only place to take responsibility. Let a judge or jury hear all the facts of the incident and pronounce a judgment instead of shooting yourself in the foot. Getting a lawyer immediately after an accident cannot be overemphasized. 

“Even if you are considering an out-of-court settlement, admitting fault prematurely may translate to receiving a smaller insurance payout, and your insurer may even decline to make any payment. It is wise to be quiet, take note of essential details, and allow professionals to resolve the matter,” says attorney Lawrence Buckfire of Buckfire Law. 

Read the Police Reports

The police report is an essential part of your case. Your attorney needs it to build a convincing argument against the defendant. You can request a copy to verify the accuracy of the police’s claims. 

If you disagree with the report, you can argue against it because if you eventually decide to go to court, the copies you got will form part of the evidence. Hence, being safe with your actions before approaching the court is crucial. 

Also Read: The Benefits of Having a Lawyer Review Your Business Agreements