Filing a claim and receiving proper compensation after a motorcycle accident is often frustrating. It sometimes seems as if the other insurance company is working against you simply because you were riding a motorcycle. The following tips can help make your claim go more smoothly while also allowing you to avoid some common mistakes that can impact your claim.
Tip #1: Seek medical care
If you are lucky and only have minor scrapes and bruises, you may think it's better to go home than to head to the hospital. This can hurt your case. Head to the doctor's office as soon as possible after the accident – if you skipped the ambulance ride, then head in the next day. Having medical records detailing your injuries and their cause can help make your claim go more smoothly. You will also want a record of medical care if more injuries surface later. For example, many joint and tendon issues aren't always obvious until a few days after they occur.
Tip #2: Keep up with the treatment plan
Your doctor is going to give you a treatment plan, which the insurance company can use against you if the case has to go to court for settlement. This plan may include the use of certain medications, surgeries, follow up appointments, or even physical therapy. Follow the treatment plan so that the insurance company can blame your worsening injuries on failure to follow doctor's orders. If you feel like you must alter the plan, such as by opting for therapy instead of surgery, ask that your doctor changes the plan to reflect this.
Tip #3: Save the evidence
This means keeping your helmet, the mangled motorcycle, your leathers, or anything else you were wearing at the time of the injury. Don't make any repairs or toss out anything until after your claim is settled. This is because all of these items show the severity of the accident. Reconstruction experts can even look at the damage on your bike and clothing to help paint a picture of exactly how the accident went down, which can work in your favor.
Tip #4: Visit the accident scene as soon as possible
Pictures of the accident scene can be an important piece of evidence. The best case scenario is to get pictures before the scene has been cleaned up, perhaps by using your cell phone to snap photos from several different angles. If this isn't possible, you, your lawyer, or a friend needs to visit the scene as soon as possible to take pictures. Make sure the pictures include anything that may have contributed to the accident, such as roadside obstructions, poor road conditions, intersections, or signage.
For more help, contact a motorcycle attorney like Scherline And Associates in your area.
Share