As of 2020, only 3% of registered vehicles are motorcycles, but they are related to 14% of road fatalities in the United States. A significant factor contributing to this is that riders are not always as visible as other drivers on the road, especially at night. And when accidents do happen, they can be seriously dangerous. Motorcyclists are more likely to die in a crash than people in cars because they don’t have the same level of protection car occupants have when on the road.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, on top of your injuries, you would also have to deal with property damage. This is where insurance comes in, and it’s important to know how to file a claim to get the compensation you deserve. However, there are instances where insurance companies would try to offer you a low compensation or deny your claim altogether. To avoid this, here are things you can do to support your insurance claims after a motorcycle accident:
Give Your Statement to the Police
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Once you are medically cleared, you should give your statement to the police. If you could not speak with them at the scene of the accident, make sure you do so afterward. This is important so the police can fully understand what happened and help determine who was at fault. The police report will also serve as one of your key pieces of evidence when filing an insurance claim.
Ask Witnesses for Their Statements
If there were witnesses to your motorcycle accident, you could ask them for their perspective about what they saw happen. The sooner they give their statement, the better, so they don’t forget any crucial information that might help your case. If they are hesitant to give an account, you can ask them to write down or record what they saw. This will back up your insurance claim and strengthen your case. Witness statements will also make the insurance company less likely to try to deny your claim.
Take Photos or Record a Video
It is important to record the conversation when you talk to the driver immediately after the accident. This might become substantial evidence depending on what was said or if the other driver tries to deny their involvement later on. Moreover, take photos or videos of the accident scene, damage to your motorcycle, and injuries if possible. These will show the full extent of damages you’ve received.
Keep Records of Your Expenses
It is important to keep track of all your expenses related to the accident. This includes medical, motorcycle repair, and other costs associated with the accident. You should keep your receipts, bills, invoices, or other documents to help prove your expenses. This will help establish the cost of damages and make it easier for the insurance company to reimburse you. If you had to pay for a rental bike while your bike is being repaired, keep track of those expenses. These records will help support your claims and increase your chances of getting compensated for all the costs.
Cooperate With the Insurance Company
When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, it’s important to remember to cooperate with the insurance company. This means politely answering their questions and providing any documentation they ask for. It also means notifying them of any new information as the case progresses, such as new medical conditions or diagnoses sustained from the accident. This helps them process your claim efficiently and accurately.
Get Help from a Lawyer
Legal services will be your most advantageous source of support to help validate your insurance claims after an accident. With the aid of the police report, collected evidence, and documents, your lawyer can build a solid defense on your behalf. Suppose the insurance company denies your claims or offers you an unfair settlement. In that case, your lawyer can negotiate for you to get the best possible outcome. This is why hiring a qualified motorcycle accident lawyer can significantly boost your chances of getting a fair insurance settlement. Their experience with these cases can give you a higher chance to get the money you need and deserve to help pay for your damages, injuries, and losses.
It can be difficult to process everything that’s happening after an accident. It can be a lot to handle between dealing with the insurance company and trying to get your life back to normal. However, you must take all the necessary precautions to protect yourself during the process.
