The most important things you can do in the days following a motorcycle accident are to tend to your injuries, focus on recovery, and speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer. Because your health and wellness should be your top priority, you are encouraged to follow the advice of the medical professionals who are rendering treatment and taking care of you. In addition to focusing on getting better, there are a few other things you should do after having engaged in a motorcycle accident.
Five Things You Should Do in the Days Following a Motorcycle Accident
Consider the following suggestions after experiencing a motorcycle accident.
Research Lawyers
You have the right to work with an attorney after a motorcycle accident—especially if you or a loved one suffered injuries. A lawyer can help you understand what your next steps should be, and even assist you with recovering any compensation you might be entitled to.
If you are currently hospitalized or were recently discharged from the hospital, chances are that you don’t want to be dealing with the insurance company—or trying to learn how to file a lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident.
Therefore, while you focus on getting better, a lawyer can handle all the legal matters related to the accident. These can include (but are not limited to):
- Discussing your case with the insurance company and other parties that might be involved (e.g., another driver)
- Getting certain paperwork filed with the insurance company so you can begin receiving any medical or cash benefits you might be entitled to
- Gathering evidence that will help support your claim and/or lawsuit in the event you need to file one
- Help you understand your legal rights
Refrain from Providing the Insurance Company with a Statement
If you are contacted by your insurer or the other driver’s insurer prior to having the chance to speak with an attorney, avoid saying anything that could cause you to be held liable for the accident. Remember, insurance companies are businesses. In order for them to protect their profits, they have to find ways to minimize the value of the claims they receive.
Therefore, it is not recommended that you provide a recorded statement or say anything too detailed. You do not want to jeopardize your chances of recovering compensation before you have had the opportunity to speak with an attorney.
Write Down Anything You Can Remember Regarding the Accident
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that certain types of injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI), are known to impair your cognitive abilities. It is important for you to try and write down anything you remember about the accident despite the injuries you suffered.
Memories tend to fade as time goes on. So, the sooner you start writing down pertinent information pertaining to the crash, the better. This way, if the other party involved in the accident tries to throw some of the blame on you, you can either refute or agree with the claims that are being made.
Document How You Feel
Another thing you should consider doing in the days following your accident is writing down in a journal how you are feeling physically and psychologically. Be sure to date your entries.
Some things you might consider documenting include:
- The challenges your injuries have presented you with
- How your injuries impair your physical abilities
- The areas you are experiencing pain
- How severe the pain is
Keep Receipts for All Accident-Related Expenses
It can help to show what you have already spent if you plan on trying to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Medication
- Transportation costs
- Any other costs associated with your accident
If you are feeling confused or uncertain as to what your next steps should be in the days following a motorcycle accident, you can always turn to a motorcycle accident lawyer. They could address your questions and concerns.
The Lawyers at High Stakes Injury Law Are Here to Help You After Your Motorcycle Accident
At High Stakes Injury Law, we know how difficult your days can be after having engaged in a motorcycle accident. That is why we are here to help make them easier for you to get through. Whether you are looking to recover compensation for your medical expenses or want to sue the driver who hit you, our firm is prepared to help you in any way we can.
If you would like to find out how much your motorcycle accident injuries might entitle you to or want to gain a better understanding of what your legal rights are, contact High Stakes Injury Law at (702) 444-3228. We would be happy to assess your case and determine how we may be able to help you.