How to Strengthen Your Motorcycle Accident Claim: Tips and Strategies
Persons who are involved in motorcycle accidents can suffer very serious injuries, undergo expensive medical treatment and suffer extensive emotional trauma. This article is the guide that can help you to understand how to create strong grounds at the time of claiming after being involved in a motorcycle accident. Bolstering your motorcycle accident claim guarantees that you are paid a reasonable sum in regard to the accident’s consequences on the injured individual. Below are some of the most important tips and strategies that Boca Raton Motorcycle Accident Lawyer can assist you when dealing with this process….
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health should always come as a priority after you have been involved in a motorcycle accident. You do not need to dismiss such an idea even when you have minor injuries as it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. Other common injuries, including those to the head, neck, internal organs or to any of the extremities, may be hidden at first. A general medical examination comes in handy so that, in case of any injuries, you are documented well. This documentation works hand in hand with your assertion that the injuries suffered fully correspond to the accident.
2. Document the Accident Scene
Getting information at the scene of the accident is very important especially in establishing a motorcycle accident claim. If you are able to do so, photograph the incident that happened; your motorcycle, the other vehicles who caused the accident, the roads, traffic lights/ signs, and any apparent wounds or injuries. Pictures can be of great use as they will help to demonstrate the conditions that have led to the occurrence of the accident.
Also, ensure you collect ‘contact details of any witness’ that may have been involved in the accident. Reality can be supported by witnesses and their statements which will work in your favor of your opinion. If police is informed, do not forget to ask for a copy of the police report because it will certainly contain an account of the accident.
3. Keep Detailed Records
Adhering to record keeping is very vital in fortifying the motorcycle accident case. It is very important to make a record of your injuries, the treatment you have been receiving and how the accident has affected your everyday life. All of the medical appointments, such as GP check up, physical therapy and prescribed drugs must be logged in.
In addition track your expenses that are as a result of the accident. This comprises of the medical expenses, repair costs of your motorcycle and any other earnings lost while recovering from the accident. Having a record of all your expenditures is essential since it will assist you to determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to.
4. Avoid Social Media
This is particularly true in cases of an accident where it is wise to avoid posting on social media. Insurance companies are also known to follow up on the constitutional claimants on the social media especially looking for posts or Even photos that may be useful in a counter claim. For instance, if you take a snapshot of you exercising, the insurance firm may use it to dispute the seriousness of the injuries.
In order to preserve the claim, you should refrain from voicing anything regarding the accident, your injuries, or any aspects of your case in any social plat form untill the case is closed.
5. Be Cautious When Speaking to Insurance Adjusters
In case of a motorcycle accident, you will be approached by an insurance adjuster to talk to you. You might feel that they are on your side but, their main focus is to ensure that the amount paid concerning your claim is as low as possible. Be careful when communicating with them and do not give recorded statement to the insurance company without Boca Raton Motorcycle Accident Lawyer advice.
Insurance adjusters may ask you questions in order to trick you into admitting that you were at fault or not seriously injured, the latter of which would diminish your case. Don’t give out too many details, especially personal details like your home address and phone number, the nature of the accident and anything else which the driver might use against you. If you have no idea on how to deal with communication with the insurance company, then it will be wise to seek the services of a Boca Raton Personal Injury Lawyer to assist you.
6. Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
Claiming for a motorcycle accident involves many complications mostly when it involves major injuries and insurance providers. Getting advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer will definitely increase the chances of success in a lawsuit. An attorney will give legal counsel, engage insurance firms on your behalf, and see that you are getting the rightful compensation.
An experienced lawyer will also assist you to gather other important witness or factor such as an expert witness in the case or reconstruction of the accident. They will advise you on legal issues in relation to your case, this way you will not encounter some wrong doings that may harm your case.
7. Understand Comparative Negligence Laws
As in other states, the law of Florida allows plaintiffs involved in motorcycle accidents to sue the defendants under comparative negligence laws. This means that if the accident involved is partially your fault, then you may end up being paid the amount of the compensation less, the amount of fault you had. For instance, let’s assume that you are negligent in the proportion of twenty percent and you have a total loss of, say one hundred thousand dollars, you will be compensated seventy two thousand five hundred and fifty dollars.
It is important to comprehend these laws because other party will try to pin on you some of the blame so that it will not pay as much as you deserve. An experienced attorney who fully understands all the laws that govern the court can assist you to fight for the reduction of the assigned fault that you have.
8. Don’t Rush to Settle
Following an accident involving a motorcycle, one may be under pressure to settle the claim to enable him or her to cater for the medical expenses and other necessities such as income lost due to disability. But nevertheless, it is necessary not to hurry with the decision to come to an agreement. Insurance companies present less favorable compensation amounts to the victims or quick pay-outs which may not suffice to cater for the losses or even satisfy the victim’s future requirements.
When considering a particular case, do not accept any settlement offer without seeking your lawyer’s advice first. When you agree to a settlement, you cannot seek any more money for the aforementioned reasons and thus, the offer should be considered well.
Conclusion
This means that enhancing your claim involves a lot of actions that you need to make from the time of the accident, ample documentation, and the help of a proficient motorcycle accident attorney. If you were to apply these tips or strategies, you will be in a position to present a very persuasive case that will enhance your ability to claim for fair compensation. As always, it is important to remember that the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer goes a long way in determining the success of a claim as well as the protection of one’s rights.
