After an accident, a motorcyclist may be owed compensation from the at-fault driver. However, they will want to make sure they are able to get the compensation they need. There are a few things that the rider should do to help make sure they can get compensation for the accident. Use the checklist here to make sure everything is done.
Get Emergency Medical Attention
It is crucial for those who are injured in a motorcycle wreck to get medical attention right away. Even if the injuries don’t seem severe and the person is able to walk away from the accident, they may have hidden injuries that will get worse with time. It’s a good idea to have a full checkup done to rule out any hidden injuries. This also helps to create a paper trail of all injuries and medical needs following the accident.
Report the Accident to the Police
The accident should be reported to the police as soon as it happens, so an accident report can be created. This may be required if anyone needs medical attention at the scene of the accident, but even if it’s not required, it is a good idea. The officer who arrives at the scene will create a detailed report that can be used in court if needed. It is important to avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as accepting fault at this time.
Document the Scene or Get Photos of the Motorcycle
If possible, the motorcyclist should document the scene by getting as many photos of the accident as possible. Take photos of the motorcycle, other vehicles involved, where each vehicle is on the road, the damage to each vehicle, and more. If the rider is unable to get photos of the scene because they needed emergency medical care, they will want to get photos of the damage to the motorcycle before it’s repaired.
Preserve Any Evidence
Evidence from the accident scene can be easily deleted, so it’s a good idea to follow the 3-2-1 method of backing up important data. This means that there should be three copies of everything and that two different storage methods should be used. One of the copies of evidence should be kept off-site. For example, this could mean having a hard copy on a backup drive, a copy in the cloud, and a second copy on a hard drive that is kept at the lawyer’s office.
Talk to an Attorney Right Away
Motorcycle claims can be incredibly complex, so it is a good idea to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. Doing so can help the victim avoid potentially incriminating statements, help to preserve evidence, and help to file the claim and work on a settlement. It also ensures everything is done on time and that nothing is forgotten while the victim is focusing on their recovery. The lawyer will work closely with their client to help them get the compensation they need.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, you may be owed compensation for your injuries. However, it is important for you to take the right steps to make sure you can get the compensation you need. Use this checklist and speak with an accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
