Experiencing a motorcycle accident can plunge your life into chaos. Not only are you likely dealing with injuries that hinder your ability to perform even simple daily tasks, but you are also faced with the mounting burden of medical expenses.
As if that weren’t enough, you’re expected to navigate your recovery while balancing your usual personal and professional commitments. The entire situation can be incredibly overwhelming.
You might be unsure about your next steps or where to seek guidance regarding your injuries and the intricacies of the insurance claim process. Rest assured, though; you are not alone. Each year, countless individuals in Houston find themselves injured in motorcycle accidents.
Thankfully, motorcycle accident attorneys in Houston can assist you during this challenging time. Their knowledge and background in dealing with insurance companies empower you to maximize the compensation you deserve for your claim.
Here are some important steps you must consider after a motorcycle collision, especially if you suspect you have sustained injuries:
Assess Yourself and Your Passengers for Injuries
The moments immediately following a motorcycle accident may feel like an eternity. The event happens so rapidly, and once the immediate action ceases, time appears to crawl. Once you’re able to, examine yourself and your surroundings.
If you notice blood, fractures, or visible swelling, it’s likely you have injuries requiring prompt medical attention. Even if there are no apparent signs, any unusual discomfort or pain should be taken seriously as it may indicate at least minor injuries.
Move Yourself, Your Passengers, and Your Vehicle to Safety
<spanOnce you’ve evaluated everyone for injuries, prioritize getting off the road and into a safe area. Your immediate concern should be safety—finding a location away from traffic is crucial.
Look for a nearby parking lot or side street where you can wait while you contact the police. Being involved in a second accident while waiting for assistance is the last thing you want.
Contact the Police and Provide Information Upon Their Arrival
To ensure that your accident and injury claims are properly handled, it’s critical to involve the police. Call the authorities once you are safely out of harm’s way, and everyone with you is secure, or even prior to moving yourself or others in cases of severe accidents.
When the responding officers arrive, provide them with a detailed account of the accident and what transpired afterward. No detail is too small. The officers will gather statements from everyone involved and any witnesses who were not directly part of the incident.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention for All Injuries
Don’t postpone medical evaluation for your injuries. As soon as you can, get yourself to a doctor or a hospital. The absence of obvious injuries doesn’t mean you escaped the accident unscathed.
Some symptoms can surface hours, days, or even weeks later. By that point, injuries could worsen significantly, potentially leading to permanent damage. Prompt treatment will also ensure that your injuries are documented, making it harder for insurance companies to argue that they are unrelated to the accident.
File a Claim with Each Relevant Insurance Company
Following the accident, exchange insurance information with all involved drivers. If you are unable to do so, refer back to your police report, which should include the insurance details for each driver. Make sure to note each insurance company’s name and corresponding policy number.
Once you have this information, promptly contact each insurance company to report the accident and inform them of your injuries. This will kickstart the claims process. Additionally, reach out to the other drivers and independent witnesses to gather their accounts of the event.
Keep All Accident-Related Documents Organized in a Single File
A successful injury claim hinges on your organization. To prove your case to the responsible party’s insurance company or in court, you’ll need evidence of your injuries and their severity.
At minimum, ensure you have copies of the police report, photographs of your injuries and the accident scene, medical records, bills, communication from the insurance company, and any notes you’ve recorded throughout the process.
Engage a Law Firm That Will Advocate for You
Trying to navigate your injury claim alone might leave you vulnerable to exploitation by the insurance company. Adjusters and defense attorneys typically recognize that you likely lack experience with personal injury litigation and may offer you a settlement that falls well short of what would fully compensate you.
Hiring a skilled injury attorney well-versed in negotiating with insurance adjusters and preparing for trials demonstrates to the insurance company that your case should be taken seriously.
Always Remember to Be a Cooperative Team Player
<spanWhen you enlist a lawyer, you become part of a collaborative litigation team. Your teammates—your lawyer, their support staff, doctors, and any consulting experts—will be there to support you throughout your case. Don't hesitate to ask questions or offer feedback.
Your lawyer will expect your cooperation as well. You may be asked to respond to written or verbal inquiries, attend face-to-face meetings regarding your case’s progress, participate in depositions or mediation sessions, and appear in court for a trial. If your lawyer reaches out, prompt communication is critical.
Interacting with insurance companies after a motorcycle accident can be an infuriating experience. Even when you’re injured, you might find yourself getting the runaround. You may be shuffled from one representative to another while trying to inform the responsible party’s insurance of new accident-related expenses or simply seeking an update on your claim.
It can feel as though your injuries are dismissed, and that the insurance company expects you to simply fade away if they ignore you long enough. Securing legal representation shields you from the indifference of the insurance company.
Having an attorney to advocate for you following your motorcycle accident provides reassurance and increases your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve. Don’t give the insurance companies an edge—they certainly don’t deserve it.
