In 2020, there were 5,579 motorcycle fatalities in the U.S., breaking previous records and increasing by 11 percent since 2019. If you have been hurt or injured in a motorcycle accident in California, then you are entitled to compensation. A Santa Barbara motorcycle accident lawyer can help you get the settlement you deserve. In order to increase your chances of getting the maximum compensation possible, there are some steps that you should take after your accident.
Stay At The Accident Scene
Before you leave the scene of the accident, there are key pieces of evidence that will be necessary in your motorcycle accident case later on. First, call 911 or have a witness or the driver of the vehicle call 911 for you. Then, you should get the contact information of the driver, their passengers, or any other witnesses. Be sure to get their:
- Names
- Addresses
- Email addresses
- Phone numbers
You should also get the driver’s auto insurance information and driver’s license number. When the police arrive, get a copy of their report.
You should never leave the scene of an accident before taking pictures or capturing video evidence. If you are unable to take photos yourself, then ask a witness to take them and send them to you. When taking photos for evidence, you should get a combination of wide shots that show the entire scene of the accident and close-up shots to show where the motorcycle landed, the license plate on the car, and any damage.
Go To The Nearest Emergency Room
Next, you need to go to the nearest emergency room to be assessed for injuries. Even if you do not feel hurt, you should get checked by a physician who can determine if you have suffered injuries with latent symptoms. Stomach bleeding, neck injuries, and soft tissue injuries may not be noticeable at first, but after several hours you may be in incredible pain. If you have suffered injuries, then a physician can treat your pain and provide you with the medical guidance that you need. Afterward, it’s important to stick to your treatment plan. Failure to stick to your doctor’s orders can negatively affect your personal injury case later on because the insurance company will consider your noncompliance as evidence of insurance fraud.
Call A Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Speaking to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you get through the process of filing a personal injury claim with less stress so that you can focus on your healing. A personal injury attorney fights for you to get the damages you deserve from the liable party. You can recover financial compensation for your losses, such as your medical bills, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses. You can also recover damages for your pain and suffering.
Insurance companies are businesses and care about their bottom line. They will find any excuse to lower your settlement. An attorney, on the other hand, is your advocate. The insurance company will use your social media posts, medical records, and anything you say to justify reducing your settlement. Don’t let them take advantage of you. Hire a personal injury attorney with experience in motorcycle accident cases to help you navigate the legal process.
