How to Handle the Aftermath of a Motorcycle Accident
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it can be one of the most difficult and challenging times of your life. You may feel overwhelmed trying to figure out all the legal steps that need to take place or what you should do next in searching for a motorcycle accident attorney in Gainesville, FL. Although navigating your way through an accident claim isn’t easy, there are certain measures you can take after an accident to help protect yourself and ensure that the proper procedures are taken so that the responsible parties can be held accountable.
In this blog post, we will walk you step-by-step through how to handle the aftermath of a motorcycle accident so that you know exactly how to proceed in order to pursue justice.
Step 1: Call the Police to File an Accident Report
You should always file a police report after a motorcycle accident. The police report provides critical documentation about the parties to the crash, their insurance carriers, the names and contact information of witnesses, as well as the scene of the accident.
Step 2: Seek Medical Attention
Sometimes the shock of an accident creates so much adrenaline that you may not think you are injured. However, even if you don’t think you are injured, it’s important to see a doctor or go to the emergency room as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident for a thorough evaluation. Some injuries are not immediately apparent, but a medical professional will know how to assess you to protect your health and well-being.
Step 3: Gather Evidence
If you are able, you should try to gather evidence at the scene of the accident, such as photographs of the damage to your motorcycle and the other vehicle involved in the accident. You should also get the name, contact information, and insurance information of the other driver involved in the accident, along with any witnesses who may have seen the accident or stayed on the scene while waiting for first responders just in case they leave the scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement.
Step 4: Notify your Insurance Company
You need to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. Your insurance company will likely ask for information about the accident, such as the date, time, and location, as well as the names and contact information of the other involved parties. As such, it can be helpful to have that information readily available when you contact the insurance company.
Step 5: Consult with an Attorney
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. An attorney can also help you determine whether you have a case against the other driver involved in the accident and, if so, work with you to create a path to justice with the best possible outcomes.
Call (352) 372-9999 to schedule your free consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney in Gainesville, FL, at Avera & Smith. To help you prepare for your consultation, you may also want to review this handy blog post from our Resource Hub: How to Prepare for Your Initial Consultation with a Lawyer
Step 6: Protect Your Rights
In other words, don’t give a statement to anyone, and don’t sign anything. After a motorcycle accident, you may be contacted by an insurance adjuster or an attorney for the other driver involved in the accident. It’s important that you do not give a statement to anyone until you have spoken with an attorney. Anything you say could be used against you in your case. Similarly, you may be asked to sign documents by an insurance company of another party involved in the accident. You should not sign anything until you have spoken with an attorney and had them review the documents first.
Step 7: Take Care of Yourself Physically and Emotionally
Recovering from a motorcycle accident can be both physically and emotionally demanding, especially if a life-altering injury is involved. Make sure to take care of yourself during this time by seeking continued medical care for your injuries. Don’t forget to consider your emotional needs and get professional help for any emotional trauma that you may have sustained in the accident.
Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be challenging, but seeking professional help from an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Gainesville, FL can help you understand your rights and secure the best possible outcome. Throughout your case, it is important to follow these guidelines:
- Act promptly regarding any insurance policies involved
- Keep relevant evidence organized and accessible
- Stay in touch with healthcare providers and follow their instructions
- Document all financial losses related to the accident
- Review any documentation from insurers thoroughly and remember: do not sign anything without consulting with an attorney
If you’re not sure where to start or have additional questions about your rights following a motorcycle accident, reach out anytime; we are here to help. Our attorneys at Avera & Smith are dedicated to providing outstanding representation and helping injured parties obtain justice. With 70+ years of collective experience in injury law and our detailed approach aimed at obtaining the best possible results on behalf of each client we serve, our team is here to ensure that you receive what is rightfully yours. Why settle for less?