A motorcycle accident is a nerve-racking experience, and it may seem impossible to remain calm in the aftermath. This is particularly true if you sustained injuries due to a negligent driver.
However, it is important to remember that your statements and actions will directly affect your ability to make a successful claim. A small mistake could lead to a denial of your claim or reduce your overall recovery.
These five errors are particularly common after motorcycle collisions:
- Forgetting to take photographs
- Not seeking immediate medical attention
- Lying about injuries
- Putting off legal action
- Forgetting to document expenses and losses
If you were injured by a negligent motorist in Alabama, contact Morris Bart & Associates, LLC. A Montgomery personal-injury lawyer will help you pursue compensation for health-care expenses, time off work and other damages. Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Let’s take a closer look at five mistakes to avoid after a motorcycle crash:
Mistake #1: Forgetting to Take Photographs
Photographs are valuable evidence in a personal injury claim. They may help your accident attorney prove negligence and liability.
Be sure to take pictures of property damage, injuries, traffic signs, the weather conditions, skid marks, intersections and the positions of vehicles. Remember to enable the timestamp function on your camera to record the time and date.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Mistake #2: Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
According to the Insurance Information Institute, 92,000 motorcyclists sustained injuries in accidents in 2013. Most serious motorcycle injuries require medical treatment, but some victims do not visit the doctor because they believe their wounds are minor.
Don’t make this mistake.
If you put off medical attention, then the at-fault party or insurance company may argue that your injuries were not that serious and therefore do not warrant compensation. It may also be difficult for your personal-injury attorney to tie your wounds to the crash.
Mistake #3: Lying about Injuries
Be honest with your doctor and personal-injury lawyer about the cause and severity of your injuries. For example, if you lie about having a pre-existing condition and the at-fault party or insurance company finds out, this will cast doubt on the legitimacy of your claim.
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Mistake #4: Putting off Legal Action
Over time, evidence that could support your claim will disappear, and witnesses may relocate or change their contact details. As such, you should contact a personal-injury lawyer as soon as possible after your crash.
Mistake #5: Forgetting to Document Expenses and Losses
As the victim of a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income and other damages. However, your personal-injury attorney will need to show evidence to prove the value of your damages. This evidence may take the form of a personal journal, doctors’ records, paystubs, expert testimonies and other documentation. Keep all of your receipts related to the incident.
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in Alabama, contact a Montgomery personal-injury attorney from Morris Bart & Associates, LLC. Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
