A motorcycle accident is a frightening and disorienting experience. The immediate aftermath is filled with confusion as you try to come to terms with what happened.
During that time, it’s easy to make decisions that could harm your health and your personal injury claim. Knowing what not to do can make all the difference. Let’s look at some common mistakes you want to avoid.
Failing to seek medical attention
Immediately after an accident, your body is full of adrenaline, which can conceal pain and injuries. Additionally, some injuries, such as traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding, may not be noticeable right away. Accident victims should always be checked by a medical professional, even if they think they are okay. Furthermore, it starts the paper trail that shows causation between the accident and the injuries.
Not collecting evidence
If you’re able, take photos of the scene, your motorcycle, the other vehicle and your injuries. Get the contact information of the other driver and any witnesses. Once the scene is cleared, it becomes much harder to recover the evidence.
Admitting fault or apologizing
It’s human nature to say “I’m sorry” when something goes wrong. However, those words can be used against you. Don’t discuss or speculate about anything regarding the crash with anyone at the scene or with others involved or their insurers.
The other party’s insurance representative is not your friend, and they are not on your side. Their job is to minimize payouts — not to ensure you are fully compensated. Politely decline to give them a recorded statement or engage in any conversation. Anything you say can be taken out of context and used to reduce your claim.
Posting on social media
If you are someone who regularly updates their social media pages, take a break. Insurance companies monitor social media accounts. They can twist an innocent post to suggest you’re less injured than you initially claimed.
One essential thing to do after your motorcycle accident is to contact a legal representative. They can help you understand your rights, negotiate with insurance companies and secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries.