When you are injured in a motorcycle accident, in many ways, the odds are stacked against you. As a result, to make sure you are able to collect the compensation you deserve, you need to protect yourself as much as possible.
In What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident: Tips for Your Claim, we provided a list of 10 steps to take (and mistakes to avoid) to protect your rights after a motorcycle accident in Florida. Here is a more in-depth look at five additional steps that can be critical to preserving your claim for maximum compensation.
Five Important Steps for Preserving Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
1. Seek Medical Attention Even if You Feel Fine
In our previous list, we discussed the importance of seeking emergency medical treatment after the accident, either with the help of the first responders or by getting yourself to the emergency room. But, what if you felt fine and just went home?
Even if you felt fine after the accident, it is still important to seek medical treatment. The adrenaline from the crash can mask certain symptoms, and you may not feel the effects of an internal injury for days or even weeks after the collision. Riders can easily suffer serious injuries in both high-side and low-side accidents, and you owe it to yourself to make sure you are truly okay.
2. Keep Copies of Any Records Relating to Your Accident and Injuries
When you go to the doctor, make sure to request copies of your scans, and remember to keep any bills, receipts, statements of benefits and other documentation related to your injuries. While it may be possible to collect this documentation later, it is better if you can get in the habit of collecting it now. You do not want to forget about anything that should be included in your claim for compensation.
3. Keep a Calendar or Journal On How Your Injuries Affect Your Life
At some point during your claim, you may need to tell your side of the story. To help yourself remember as much detail as possible, it can be a good idea to keep a calendar or journal detailing how your injuries from the motorcycle accident have impacted your daily life. Did you feel too sore to go to work? Did you have to pay someone to mow the grass? Did you have to miss your child’s recital? Keeping track of these types of effects can be critical to securing the largest possible settlement or court award.
4. Avoid Giving a Recorded Statement to Any Insurance Company
While you should report the accident to your motorcycle insurance company, you do not want to give a recorded statement – to your insurer or anyone else’s. You are not required to give a recorded statement. If you do, there is a good chance that the insurance companies will find a way to use it against you.
5. Do Not Accept any Settlement Offer Until You Speak with an Attorney
If you have been seriously injured and it is clear that another driver is to blame, that driver’s insurance company may try to tempt you with a quick settlement. You should not accept an insurance settlement until you speak with an experienced attorney. Your losses may far exceed the insurance company’s low-ball offer, and if you accept you will waive your right to seek additional compensation.
Speak With a Niceville Motorcycle Accident Lawyer about Your Claim Today
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in the Florida Panhandle, we encourage you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. One of our attorneys will be happy to provide advice on protecting your rights, and we can fight to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. To learn more about your claim for compensation, call (850) 682-2757 or request a consultation online today.