Following a motorbike accident, getting medical assistance right away is crucial. It not only takes care of any injuries but also creates a record of care that might support legal arguments.
Your attorney can assist you in identifying the parties responsible for your collision-related damages and in pursuing a just monetary claim. This can cover restitution for pain and suffering, lost wages, property damage, and medical expenses.
Gathering Evidence
Unless your injuries are severe, you should take photographs and videos using your cellphone as soon as possible after the accident. This includes images of your motorcycle, other vehicles, the crash scene, road conditions and traffic signals.
Obtain eyewitness statements if possible. These offer an unbiased perspective that can corroborate or contradict your version of events. You should also seek to preserve your clothing and other gear damaged in the accident.
Obtain the official police report once it becomes available, as this will contain details about the accident and initial assessments of fault. This document will form the foundation of your legal strategy. After a motorcycle crash, get legal help, a lawyer will help you establish liability for your damages and pursue the financial recovery you deserve.
Reporting the Accident
Immediately call the police to report the accident, even if it seems minor. You must do so to comply with New York law, and it will create a record that may help your case later on.
You should refrain from admitting guilt during the police officer’s questioning, which will probably take place at the site. It is preferable to have a lawyer protecting your interests while you speak with the police and insurers since anything you say might be used against you in the future by those firms.
Taking pictures of the crash site before vehicles are moved around is also a good idea, particularly skid marks and other conditions that shed light on how and where the accident occurred. This evidence will be important as your attorney seeks full compensation.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Since insurance firms are for-profit businesses, their adjusters frequently attempt to reduce their organization’s liability and make as little payment as possible. Your lawyer will engage in negotiations with insurance providers on your behalf in an effort to secure a reasonable settlement offer that fully compensates you for all past, present, and future economic and noneconomic losses.
Additionally. Your lawyer will work to ensure that any health insurance liens are properly handled so that your medical providers do not attempt to collect their money from a jury award or settlement. They can also help recover compensation for lost income if you can no longer work in your career or at the same level as before the accident.
Your lawyer will also help you file a lawsuit if an insurance company refuses to negotiate. A lawsuit will show that you are serious about your demand for fair compensation.
Filing a Claim
Regardless of who is responsible for your accident, you must report the incident to your insurance provider and begin the claims process.
They will also assist you in gathering evidence that supports your claim, including pictures of the accident scene, witness testimony, medical treatment records, and documents about property damage. They will advise you on filing insurance claims, negotiating with insurers, and, if necessary, pursuing litigation. Be sure to choose an attorney prepared to take your case to trial rather than settling for less than you deserve.
Filing a Lawsuit
Depending on the laws of your state, you may have limited time to file a lawsuit after an accident. A lawyer familiar with the statute of limitations for your type of claim can ensure all paperwork is filed before the deadline passes.
Your attorney will also help you calculate the value of your claim, ensuring that insurance companies refrain from trying to pressure you into accepting an amount that does not adequately cover your losses. They will consider your pain, suffering, physical and emotional distress, lost income, property damage, and more.
In addition, a good motorcycle accident lawyer should have the resources to bring your case to trial if necessary. Be sure to ask about an attorney’s court experience and record of winning client verdicts.
