Motorcycle accidents can lead to catastrophic bodily injuries and expensive property damage, so it’s important to know what your first steps should be after any motorcycle accident. The first steps after an accident can have a dramatic impact on the outcome of an insurance claim or lawsuit. The team of personal injury lawyers at Begam Marks & Traulsen, P.A. have more than 60 years of experience representing clients in civil actions for things like motorcycle accidents, and we want Phoenix residents to know what to do when they happen.
Immediately After the Accident
If you sustain serious injuries, call for help or wait for an ambulance. It’s crucial not to ignore any pain or other symptoms following the crash, as the adrenaline in your system may dull pain sensations. What appears to be a minor bruise now could worsen dramatically within a few hours. It’s important to contact the police for any accident that results in an injury, death, or property damage, so wait for the police to arrive, and answer their questions.
When you speak with the police, it’s important to choose your words carefully and avoid admitting any fault for the accident, even if you believe the accident was your fault. Answer the police officer’s questions honestly and concisely and ask for a copy of the police report. Regardless of the level of your injuries, your next step once the police allow you to leave is to seek medical care.
See Your Doctor
Motorcycle accidents can easily cause broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, concussions, spinal injuries, deep cuts, friction burns, and injuries from road and vehicle debris. See your doctor after a motorcycle accident, even if you feel like your injuries were only mild. Some internal injuries may not manifest noticeable symptoms for quite some time, and a back injury may not start hurting for a day or two after your crash.
Seeking prompt medical care is important for two reasons. Primarily, it narrows the window for a serious medical issue to go untreated for too long after a motorcycle accident. It also supports your case in a lawsuit, should you decide to pursue legal action for your crash. If you file a lawsuit for a motorcycle accident and claim serious injuries, the jury may not look favorably on a record that shows it took you two weeks to see a doctor.
Speak with an Attorney Then Contact Your Insurance Carrier
You’ll need to let your insurer know about your accident, and doing so promptly is important. Your insurance company may impose penalties for failing to report your accident in a timely manner, so contact your insurance provider as soon as you finish receiving medical attention. However, it is recommended that you speak with an attorney before you do so – especially if you suffered significant injuries. A Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney can help protect your rights and make sure that insurance companies don’t take advantage of you.
If another driver caused your accident, Arizona follows a traditional fault rule for car accidents, so you’ll need to file a claim against the responsible driver’s insurer. If the driver has inadequate coverage, you may also need to make a claim against your own insurance. An attorney will be able to direct you in dealing with insurance companies and help mitigate the chances of encountering unnecessary pushback or delays.
Taking Legal Action
If insurance isn’t enough to cover your damages after a motorcycle accident, you can file a lawsuit against the responsible driver. Personal injury lawsuits can yield compensation for your damages after a motorcycle accident, which are likely to be substantial. A lawsuit can yield compensation for your medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, and any lost income resulting from your accident.
Finding the right attorney is crucial for any motorcycle accident case. Although a case may seem cut-and-dried and that an average person might be able to navigate to a successful result, the average person does not have the legal experience to adequately represent these cases. Your attorney can explore every available avenue of compensation and ensure your case flows through the court system efficiently. Contact Begam Marks & Traulsen, P.A. today for a free consultation with our team, and see just how our team can help you. Call us or contact us online.