There are some very important steps to follow after being in a motorcycle accident in Seattle. Many motorcycle accident victims hurt their cases by not doing everything they should have following the collision. Most of us don’t consider that whenever you are on the road, you can be hit by a negligent or distracted driver. It happens, and it is in your best interests to be prepared with the knowledge of what to do in the event of an accident. Recovering from a crash is stressful enough on its own without the headache of dealing with the insurance companies. There are many pitfalls that can seriously harm your case when dealing with the insurance adjusters. In order to make sure you make your case as strong as possible, there are a few things that you must do. Here they are:
Report Complaints thoroughly: If you will want to recover money to pay for your medical bills that resulted from the crash, then it is crucial that you report all injuries that it caused. Trying to be a tough guy by not reporting your injuries will do harm to both your case and your health. This can’t be emphasized enough. Thoroughly communicate your injuries with your doctor so he or she can diagnose what the issue is and how to treat it.
Taking down a journal of the injuries and how you feel can be very useful later on the claims process because you will have documentation of everything that happened. Motorcycle accidents can result in very serious head trauma, and if this is the case with a loved one of yours, then you should take down the daily journal for them. The facts of the accident and resulting injuries can be lost in the mind of someone who has endured a serious crash, so this can be a huge help for their claim.
Preserve the Evidence: Taking photographs of any evidence of the accident and injuries is important in any successful motorcycle accident claim. Photographic documentation will show people who are not as familiar with the trauma an accident can cause that you truly did suffer bad injuries. Taking pictures of the accident scene will help prove fault, which is essential in any injury claim. Also make sure to preserve the clothing that you wore and any remnants of the accident that will show how bad it actually was.
Get Witnesses: Having witnesses that can testify towards your account of the accident is a big boost to any motorcycle injury case. It is no longer your evidence versus the at-fault driver’s evidence; it is a neutral third party’s evidence versus the at-fault driver’s evidence. Witnesses can be anywhere in an accident, including in other cars, on the sidewalk, in restaurants and many other places. If you are able to, check your surroundings for people that could potentially have seen the accident occur.
Following these guidelines can make a big difference if and when it is necessary to hire a lawyer to fight on your behalf. Over 2,000 Washington motorcycle accidents occur every year, and for the most part, it is not the motorcyclist that causes them. Making the right decisions and collecting the necessary evidence after an accident is critical for anyone who is unfortunate enough to be involved in one.
You may not need a lawyer — read our free book for motorcyclists
Experienced Seattle personal injury attorney Jason Epstein has not only fought on behalf of countless motorcycle riders — he is one himself. Jason has written The Truth About Washington Motorcycle Accidents to help accident victims navigate the complicated legal process. Recovering from a serious injury in a motorcycle accident is hard enough without the added stress of trying to get the compensation you deserve from the insurance company. In Jason’s easy to read book, find out the secrets insurance companies don’t want you to know, how to choose the right attorney for your case, and if you even need a lawyer. Order this book for free on our website.