Motorcycle accidents can cause you to experience a tremendous amount of physical and emotional suffering, especially if you sustain serious injuries in the incident. But now you have the task of filing a personal injury claim to recover compensation, which at times can seem like an uphill battle. However, if you take your time and build a strong case, you will likely receive an adequate settlement from the insurance company.
This entire process seems simple enough, but there are certain mistakes that you’ll want to avoid. Our motorcycle attorneys in San Diego would like to go over those mistakes in greater detail:
Motorcycle Accident Claim Mistake #1 — Not Seeking Medical Attention Immediately
There are always certain steps you should take after a motorcycle accident. As soon as the motorcycle accident occurs, you should promptly seek medical treatment for your injuries. Not only are you potentially jeopardizing your health, but you may also lose out on compensation. Sometimes, we may not notice the injuries immediately, especially when the adrenaline is pumping due to the accident. Some injuries take days (and even weeks) to develop.
Waiting too long to seek treatment can also hurt your case when you negotiate with the insurance company. The insurance adjuster may argue that your injuries stem from an entirely separate incident or that they are not as serious as you claim. They will do this to try and disqualify you from receiving compensation, so make sure you are visiting your doctor right away.
Motorcycle Accident Claim Mistake #2 — Not Obtaining Contact Information
Obtaining the correct contact information for everyone at the scene is key when it comes to filing a successful motorcycle accident claim. At the scene of the accident, you need to obtain contact information from all parties involved. This includes names, addresses, license plate numbers, phone numbers, and insurance information. You should also speak with witnesses who can provide you with a detailed account of how the incident occurred. All of this information is crucial to pursuing a personal injury claim.
Motorcycle Accident Claim Mistake #3 — Not Contacting the Police
You also need to inform the police about the accident when it occurs. They are going to show up at the scene and begin creating a report of their findings, which includes the most important evidence. When they complete their police report, you can then ask them for a copy of it, which will contain the following information:
- Statements from drivers and witnesses
- An account of how the accident occurred
- The police officer’s conclusions on who they believe caused the accident
- Any traffic citations issued
Motorcycle Accident Claim Mistake #4 — Providing a Recorded Statement
The insurance company that covers the at-fault driver may try to entrap you via a recorded statement. This is a question-and-answer session in which they will try to question you into saying something that can affect your settlement amount. They are looking for any inconsistency that will work in their favor.
Motorcycle Accident Claim Mistake #5 — Not Retaining a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
This is the biggest mistake you can make. Hiring a motorcycle accident attorney to oversee your personal injury claim enables you to maximize the amount of compensation you receive. Why leave any money on the table? You can hire an experienced attorney to negotiate a settlement on your behalf that will cover all of the physical and emotional damages you sustained in the accident.
If you or a loved one was recently involved in a serious motorcycle accident, now is the time to hire a personal injury attorney in Carlsbad and recover financial compensation. Here at HHJ Trial Attorneys in San Diego, we have a team of legal experts who can build your case and bring about the best possible outcome (without having to file a lawsuit or go to court). Speak with one of our representatives today and schedule an in-person appointment with a reliable personal injury attorney!
Testimonial from Sima, Injured Motorcycle Accident Client
I am so grateful for all the help and support I received from Adam Hepburn and his team. He personally called me several times and addressed all my concerns. The quality of their work and genuine care for the victim during difficult time is priceless. They did exactly what they promised to do in a timely manner. The team was super responsive and up to date as well. This firm’s level of professionalism and communication skill is unique and highly appreciated.
