Involved in a Motorcycle Accident? Avoid These 4 Things
Motorcycle accidents in Michigan occur with a regrettable frequency. Your actions post-collision can prove as consequential as your pre-ride safety measures. Considering the nation saw 5,579 motorcyclist fatalities and Michigan reported 2,285 injury-causing motorcycle crashes in 2020, it’s beneficial for riders to know how to respond post accident.
Hanflik Law can guide you on what not to do after a motorcycle crash to ensure you receive the most compensation from the responsible party. Learn more about post-accident actions to avoid and how a lawyer from Hanflik Law can assist you.
Avoiding Immediate Medical Attention
Motorcycle accidents can lead to catastrophic outcomes, making it crucial to get medical help promptly, regardless of how you feel immediately. Adrenaline can often conceal pain post-accident, and conditions like traumatic brain injuries or concussions might not manifest until hours or even days later.
Internal bleeding and fractures are grave medical issues resulting from motorcycle accidents that necessitate immediate medical attention.
Apart from addressing health concerns, seeking immediate medical attention is beneficial when filing a personal injury claim. An immediate post-accident medical consultation allows for an official injury diagnosis and treatment cost estimate.
Moreover, your medical records serve as proof of your accident-related injuries. Hanflik Law’s attorneys can use this evidence to establish liability in your case and enhance your chances of receiving appropriate compensation.
Failing to Obtain the Other Driver’s Insurance Details
Post motorcycle accident, acquiring the other driver’s insurance information enables you to file a claim against their insurance policy. As most states mandate minimum liability insurance for drivers, every driver should ideally have some coverage.
You can obtain this information directly from the other driver or refer to the police report. Acquire their name, contact number, policy number, and insurance company’s name. Share these details with your attorney at Hanflik Law, who can aid you in progressing with the claims process.
Admitting Guilt
Accepting blame post a motorcycle accident can be an expensive error. Insurance companies can leverage your statements against you when deciding who should pay for damages.
Furthermore, accepting responsibility could jeopardize any personal injury claims you might have against the other party. If the fault isn’t clear, it’s prudent to wait until the investigation concludes before making any statements.
If you’re required to provide a statement, such as to a police officer, carefully select your words. Even if you’re not at fault, a misstep in expression could result in an insurance company labeling you as responsible.
For instance, expressing regret or sympathy to the other driver might be construed as accepting blame. Typically misinterpreted statements include:
- “I’m sorry.”
- “I’m not hurt.”
- “I agree” or “I accept.”
- “That was my fault.”
Limit the accident’s details to your lawyer. Should you speak to another party, inform your attorney at Hanflik Law promptly.
Communicating with the Insurance Company Without a Lawyer
It’s essential to file an accurate insurance claim, but be cautious in doing so. Insurance companies seek any opportunity to minimize their payouts, so keep your responses concise and straightforward. Completing a no-fault application for benefits can often be a trap for the unwary.
At the time of your statement, you may be unaware of all accident-related facts. Consequently, you might unintentionally say something that could harm your claim. For example, you might downplay your injuries or deny being hurt before the full extent of your injuries is known. They may take your statement out of context and use your words to lessen the settlement offer. Making assumptions about uncertain aspects of the crash, like the other driver’s speed, and then being proved wrong, can cast doubt on all your post-crash statements to the police.
Post a motorcycle accident, insurance companies often pressure victims into providing a recorded statement. They may assert that the statement is necessary or will hasten the claim process. However, you should never provide a recorded statement.
Divert all communications with your or the negligent party’s insurance company to your attorney from Hanflik Law. We’re skilled in handling assertive insurance companies and will negotiate on your behalf to help you secure a fair settlement.
Reach Out to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Post-Collision
Contacting a motorcycle accident attorney post-collision can help you secure maximum compensation. The motorcycle accident lawyers at Hanflik Law staunchly advocate for motorcycle riders’ rights and strive to ensure fair treatment during the claims process or ensuing litigation.
At Hanflik Law, we operate on a contingency fee basis with motorcycle accident victims. Whether you’re in Michigan or elsewhere in the United States, you can collaborate with us post-accident and leverage our experience and successful track record.
Connect with us today for a free and confidential case review, and let us guide you on how to proceed with your claim to optimize your settlement.