You are out for a ride on your new motorcycle, minding your own business and suddenly the car coming the other direction make a left turn in front of you. You only thought is to not slide under that car, so you lay the bike down on it's side and somehow you don't go under the car.
Now What?
You seem to be okay with no major injuries just a few scrapes You can't say as much for the bike, it has been damaged, good thing you are wearing your helmet. The car driver comes over to you and says something like "I just didn't see you".
This scenario is fairly common for minor injury motorcycle accident but unfortunately there are also collisions that result in major injury to the rider. If you have a motorcycle accident of any type, what do you need to know about making a motorcycle accident claim?
Things To do At The Scene
You can do these things to help you claim, if you are physically able:
- If your cell phone is with you, snap photos of the vehicles involved in the accident. Try an get as many angles as you can of all the damage done.
- Write down the license plate numbers of the cars involved and also ask the other driver for their insurance information. If the other drivers will give it, get their telephone number also.
- Look around for witnesses and speak to them about what they saw. Ask them if you may contact them in the future and take their number if they are willing. They may be a potential witness if it comes down to a law suit.
- Write down what you remember of the mishap as soon as you can. In time, your brain will block these bad memories.
- Let your insurance agent or carrier know of the accident.
Call In The Calvary
Many folks feel that if a lawyer isn't involved, they can negotiate the motorcycle accident claim with the responsible party's insurance carrier and walk away with more money. This may be a costly mistake.
Insurance companies will want to settle the claim for the least amount of money they can and they are very experienced in negotiating these sort of things. The insurance company has lawyers on staff that you will probably be negotiating with. Unless you are a strong negotiator, you might be outmatched.
In the course of everyday business, personal injury lawyers do this type of work. They negotiate with insurance companies lawyers as part of their job. If you pick a good personal injury attorney, that person will know the personal injury law as well and maybe better then the insurance company lawyer. You might not know the true value of your claim, but a good personal injury attorney will, because this is their business.
Get the best representation for your motorcycle accident claim if you have had a mishap on your bike.
This mateial is for information only and is not meant as medical or legal advice. Seek the help of medical or legal professionals for medical or legal advice.
