What To Do After A Motorcycle Accident With Broken Bones
Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries, with broken bones being a common outcome. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, it’s important to know what steps to take to protect your health, well-being, and potential legal claims. This can help you manage the aftermath of the accident and avoid common mistakes that could hurt your chances of receiving compensation for your injuries.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
The first and most important step after a motorcycle accident that results in broken bones is to seek immediate medical attention. Even if you think the injury is minor, broken bones can sometimes be more serious than they initially appear. Going to the emergency room or visiting your doctor will not only help with your recovery, but it also creates a record of your injuries. These medical records will be crucial if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim later on.
Delaying medical treatment could cause complications with your recovery and may also be used against you by insurance companies. They may argue that your injuries weren’t as serious as you claim if you did not seek immediate care.
Document The Scene Of The Accident
If you are physically able, it is important to document the accident scene. Taking photos of your motorcycle, the other vehicle involved, the road conditions, and any visible injuries can be useful when building your case. These photos can help illustrate what happened during the accident and who may be at fault. If possible, gather the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident.
It’s also important to note the weather conditions, traffic signals, and other details that might have contributed to the crash. These details can support your claim and help a broken bones motorcycle accident lawyer assess your case more effectively.
Report The Accident To The Police
In most cases, you are required to report any vehicle accident, including motorcycle crashes, to the police. Even if you are unsure whether you need to file a report, it’s always a good idea to do so. The police will come to the scene, create an official accident report, and possibly interview witnesses. This report is another valuable piece of evidence in any future legal action.
When speaking to the police, be honest but avoid making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of fault. Simply explain what happened from your perspective and stick to the facts.
Notify Your Insurance Company
After reporting the accident to the police, you should notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Most policies require you to report an accident within a specific time frame. Failure to do so could result in denial of your claim.
Be cautious when speaking to your insurance company, and avoid making statements about who was at fault. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize the value of your claim, so it’s a good idea to keep your statements brief and focused on the facts of the accident.
Contact A Lawyer
Motorcycle accidents involving broken bones often lead to complex legal situations. Medical bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery can put a significant strain on your finances. This is where a personal injury lawyer can make a big difference in your case.
Attorneys like those at Cohen-Legal can attest that having legal representation can help protect your rights and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. A lawyer will guide you through the legal process and work to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
Follow Through With Your Medical Treatment
After the accident, following through with your medical treatment plan is essential for both your health and your legal case. This means attending all scheduled doctor’s appointments, physical therapy sessions, and any other recommended treatments.
Skipping appointments or not following your doctor’s orders can hurt your recovery and may weaken your legal case. Insurance companies often look for gaps in treatment to argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim.
Keep Track Of Your Expenses And Injuries
Maintaining detailed records of all expenses related to your motorcycle accident is crucial. This includes medical bills, prescriptions, and any costs related to rehabilitation or physical therapy. Keep records of any time missed from work and the impact your injuries have had on your day-to-day life. Having all of this information organized will help your lawyer build a strong case and demonstrate the full extent of your damages.