July 9, 2022
In a Motorcycle Accident? Five Tips from Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Motorcycle accidents can be a scary, dangerous occurrence for everyone involved. And just like with other vehicular accidents, it can be overwhelming to know what to do after one occurs. We’ve put together our top five tips to keep you safe AND help you navigate the confusing world of insurance after a motorcycle accident has taken place.
Tip #1: Get to Safety
After an accident, it is critical that you relocate yourself and your vehicle (if possible) to a safer location. This is the #1 safety rule of all accidents and for a good reason. Secondary accidents (accidents that occur because of the primary accident, typically due to other drivers being unable to see the crash until it’s too late) are extremely common and can be even more dangerous than the initial collision. Relocating to the shoulder of the road or highway is the best way to prevent these from occurring.
If your motorcycle cannot be moved, turn on the hazard lights to make the vehicle more visible and get to a safer location until help arrives.
Tip #2: Seek Immediate Assistance
Call the police right away. Even if the damage to yourself, your motorcycle, and/or the other vehicle is not bad, you are going to need a police report if you want to submit any kind of insurance claim. Report the accident as well as any initial damages or injuries that have taken place. Then get a copy of this report, either from the officer who files the report on-site or from that police department at a later date.
If you or someone else in the accident is injured, make sure to get medical help right away! This includes assistance from any medics who are called to the scene. Keep documentation about all the injuries you experience, and make sure you’re attending every scheduled medical appointment that takes place as a result. This piece is critical, though often overlooked. If you enter any form of litigation post-accident, the opposing party can try to use unattended medical appointments to show a lack of severity to your injury and, thus, reduce the compensation you are owed.
Tip #3: File a Claim BUT Don’t Talk to Adjusters
You will need to file an insurance claim with your Michigan No-Fault Insurance in order to receive compensation for any injury or damage sustained. However, it’s important to note that you should NEVER speak to an insurance adjuster OR defense attorney without your lawyer present. These individuals represent either themselves, the company they work for, or their clients. They do not represent you.
It is very likely that these individuals will try to manipulate the facts or get you to sign a document or statement which presents them (or their client) in a better light. From accepting fault to signing a release form, there are a lot of ways to create legal confusion about who was at fault in a particular accident, and that’s not what you want.
Tip #4: Check the Fine Print
When you look at the fine print of your insurance policy, what do you see? The fine print is incredibly important because it tells you what you do and don’t qualify for. Check your policy for anything that may affect your insurance coverage. If you’re not sure what all the details in the fine print mean, it’s time to contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer! (But more on that shortly.)
Tip #5: Keep Detailed Records
No matter how severe the motorcycle accident is, you should be taking detailed notes and records from start to finish. You can also download our free Elia & Ponto Car Accident Checklist to ensure you collect all of the necessary information required for your accident claim. Every time you communicate with someone about the accident, take notes. These records will be incredibly helpful to your lawyer when building his or her case against the opposing side; especially if you are forced to take your case to litigation.
So, when should you call an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer? Right away! We’ll help you navigate the wild world of insurance benefits while ensuring you’re receiving the coverage and compensation that you deserve. Call our dedicated team of lawyers for a free consultation and get started right away!