Taking the right steps after a motorcycle accident could speed up your recovery and strengthen your potential personal injury case. For example, call the police, request an official accident report, and take pictures or videos to document the accident scene. Seek medical treatment as accurate healthcare records establish a connection between the accident and your injuries. If the accident was due to the negligence of another party, you deserve compensation for your losses.
A skilled Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer at Salamati Law can help you fight for the maximum compensation available under California laws. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
What to Do in the Immediate Aftermath of Motorcycle Crash
After a motorcycle accident in California, following these steps can help protect your health and your rights:
Call 911
Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries, even if they aren’t immediately visible. Emergency responders provide rapid medical assistance, stabilizing injuries and preventing complications. Quick medical intervention also creates a record that supports your injury claim, as delayed treatment can make it harder to connect injuries directly to the accident. If you are not transported to the hospital via ambulance, follow up with your doctor. Finally, request an official accident report from the police.
Obtain Contact Information and Insurance Details from all Parties Involved in the Crash
Obtain insurance information and contact details from all parties involved in the accident. Accurate contact information enables your attorney, insurance company, or law enforcement to reach out directly, making it easier to gather statements, finalize reports, or correct discrepancies. In addition, obtaining the correct insurance provider and policy number of the other driver(s) helps confirm their coverage status and policy details. This step ensures that the other driver is insured and allows your insurance company or legal team to reach the correct provider, avoiding potential dead ends or miscommunication.
Gather Evidence
Accidents are chaotic, and details can quickly be forgotten or altered once the scene is cleared. Photos and videos capture crucial elements—like vehicle positions, skid marks, and road conditions—that help illustrate how the accident occurred. These visuals provide an objective record of the scene that is difficult to dispute. Insurance adjusters and courts may undervalue your claim if the visual evidence does not clearly show the extent of the damage, making these images valuable for fair and reasonable compensation for your losses.
Obtain Contact Information for Witnesses
Obtaining witness contact information after a motorcycle crash is critical for building a credible case. Witnesses are third parties, so their testimony carries weight and credibility. Their accounts of the accident can help validate your description of events, especially if the other driver disputes fault. Neutral witnesses add objectivity, strengthening your case in the eyes of insurance adjusters or a jury.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Under the terms of most insurance policies, a motorcyclist involved in an accident has an obligation to notify their insurer after the crash. This is true whether or not you intend to file a claim. Failure to notify your insurance company of an accident could result in a lack of coverage or even a cancellation of your policy.
Remember: this only applies to your insurance company. You are never under any obligation to talk to the insurer of the other parties. Anything you say to them could be taken out of context and used against you during the claims process. Our team can handle these communications.
Consult a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
There are few steps as vital as talking to an attorney following an accident. A Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer can help you pursue your personal injury case and maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.
What to Do in the Weeks Following a Motorcycle Accident
After reviewing your case details, we can provide advice tailored to the unique fact patterns of your accident. However, here are some general recommendations:
- Be mindful of what you post on social media. Insurance companies often monitor social media for evidence to reduce or deny claims. Even innocent posts, like photos or status updates, can be misinterpreted as proof that you’re not as injured as claimed. Any mention of the accident, injuries, or legal proceedings can inadvertently provide information that the defense might use against you. Moreover, discussing details of the case on social media could harm negotiations or weaken your credibility.
- Follow the treatment plan of your doctor. Insurance companies often look for signs that an injury is less severe than claimed. Following your doctor’s treatment plan demonstrates that you’re committed to recovery and that your injuries are legitimate. Regular visits and adherence to your plan create a detailed record of your progress. This documentation is valuable evidence for any legal or insurance claims, showing the accident’s impact on your health.
Contact Salamati Law for a Free Consultation
It’s never too early to call for a complimentary, no-obligation case review to explore your legal options after a motorcycle accident. At Salamati Law, we are happy to assist clients in Southern California with thorough investigations and case-building resources. Our knowledge and experience will help you achieve the best possible outcome and the compensation you deserve. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay attorney’s fees unless we win compensation for your injuries.
