Motorcycle accident cases can have catastrophic consequences, leaving victims with serious injuries, emotional distress, and many challenges. If you’re in a motorcycle accident, knowing what to do is crucial for protecting your rights and making your recovery easier.

Consulting a motorcycle accident attorney can provide helpful advice on actions to take and avoid after an injury in Massachusetts.

This article covers the advice of a personal injury attorney to help you make smart choices during this tough time.

What to Do

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your physical well-being should take precedence in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident. Regardless of the apparent severity of your injuries, it is imperative to seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries may not exhibit immediate symptoms; early medical evaluation can prevent latent complications from worsening.

Apart from obtaining a diagnosis and receiving appropriate medical attention, seeking healthcare creates a crucial medical document that can be used as proof in potential legal proceedings.

Contact the Police Department

Starting contact with local law enforcement authorities at the accident scene is a pivotal step. The resultant police report is a detailed account of the accident’s circumstances.

This report helps determine fault and liability and is key evidence for future legal claims or insurance talks with a personal injury claim for any accident victim.

Document the Scene

If your physical condition permits, gather as much evidence as possible from the motorcycle crash. This means taking detailed photos of the accident scene, your motorcycle, other vehicles, the road conditions, traffic signals, and visible injuries.

These pictures provide important information for understanding the accident and determining what happened, which is crucial for deciding who is responsible.

Exchange Information

Swiftly exchanging contact details and insurance information with all parties involved is pivotal. Procure names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance particulars from other drivers, passengers, and witnesses.

This information is crucial when filing insurance claims or considering potential legal action.

Avoid Making Statements

While cooperating with law enforcement is important, exercising caution when making statements is equally vital. The best approach is to provide factual, unbiased information without speculating or attributing blame.

Preserve Evidence

Safeguard all evidence of the accident, encompassing medical records, invoices, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies. Recordings will be important when asking for payment for losses like medical bills, damage to belongings, missed work, and other costs.

Consult a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Engaging the services of a proficient motorcycle accident attorney in Massachusetts is an essential course of action. A seasoned attorney brings tailored expertise to your case, offering personalized guidance that aligns with the unique dynamics of your situation.

They can adeptly elucidate your rights, negotiate with insurance entities, and advocate for you should legal proceedings become necessary.

Receive a free consultation on your case at Earley Law Group Injury Lawyers. Learn more.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Initiate timely communication with your insurance provider regarding the accident. Give them correct and honest details, but don’t give recorded statements until you’ve talked to your lawyer. Insurance companies may endeavor to minimize their financial liability, underscoring the importance of having legal representation to safeguard your interests.

Do Not Accept Quick Settlement Offers

Insurance companies might extend rapid settlement offers in the wake of an accident. Fast cash might seem tempting, but these offers overlook the full extent of your injuries and losses.

These encompass present medical costs, prospective medical expenses, and the enduring pain and suffering you may experience. It is strongly advisable to confer with your attorney before entertaining any settlement propositions.

Exercise Caution on Social Media

Exercise restraint in discussing the accident or your injuries on social media platforms. Insurance companies and others can use what you post on these platforms to downplay your injuries or question your claims. Any experienced motorcycle accident lawyer would tell you to be cautious.

What Not to Do

Not Seeking Medical Attention Immediately

One of the gravest mistakes individuals often make after a motorcycle accident is not seeking medical attention promptly. Your health should be your top priority. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries may take time to manifest.

Delaying medical treatment jeopardizes your health and weakens your potential legal claim. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries are not serious if you do not seek immediate medical attention. An attorney can help you get future medical attention.

Failing to Document the Scene and Injuries

Preserving evidence is crucial in any accident case. After a motorcycle accident, ensure you or someone at the scene does the following:

1. Take photos: Capture images of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and your injuries.
2. Collect contact information: Obtain names and contact details of witnesses, as their statements may prove invaluable later.
3. File a police report: Massachusetts law mandates reporting accidents with injuries or substantial property damage. This report can be vital in establishing liability.

Admit Fault or Apologize

After a motorcycle accident, emotions can be strong. Don’t say anything that might suggest you’re at fault, including using expressions like “I’m sorry.” Let the experts and investigation decide who’s at fault.

Neglecting to Gather Driver Information

Exchanging information with the other parties involved is crucial. Get their names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance details, and license plate numbers. Without this information, your attorney may face difficulties filing a claim or lawsuit.

Skipping Medical Follow-Ups

If you seek medical attention, following through with recommended treatments and appointments is equally vital. Skipping medical follow-ups or disregarding treatment plans can weaken your case. Insurance companies might argue that your injuries aren’t severe if you’re not taking your recovery seriously.

Discussing the Case with Insurance Adjusters Alone

Insurance adjusters might seem friendly, but their primary goal is to minimize payouts for their company. Talking to adjusters without a lawyer can result in wrong communication, hurting your case.

Accepting Settlements Prematurely

Insurance companies might offer settlements soon after an accident, hoping to close the case swiftly and at a lower cost. It’s advisable not to accept any settlement offers without consulting a motorcycle accident attorney. You might not be aware of the full extent of your injuries and the related costs at such an early stage.

Conclusion

The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be an emotionally and legally complex terrain to navigate. Adhering to the guidance offered by a seasoned motorcycle accident attorney in Massachusetts is pivotal in steering through these challenges successfully. Act quickly to seek medical help, document the scene accurately, preserve evidence, hire a lawyer, and speak cautiously with insurance. This safeguards your rights and helps you seek fair compensation for injuries and losses.

Every case is different, so it’s important to consult an attorney who knows about Massachusetts motorcycle accidents for the best results.

To start your case, call the Law Office of Earley Law Group Injury Lawyers now (617-444-7777) without any cost.

At our law firm, we are experts in motorcycle accident claims.