Motorcycle accidents can be very traumatizing. In fact, they often result in a damaged or totaled bike and personal injuries. The first step after getting in an accident is to take pictures, exchange information with all those involved, and call the police. If you need medical care, an ambulance needs to be called. Once you are able to leave the scene of the accident, it is time to file an insurance claim. Read on to learn more about how to handle insurance claims in a motorcycle accident.
What to Do Right After Motorcycle Accidents
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, between 2008 and 2017, there were over 900,000 motorcycle-related injuries. It is always essential for motorcycle riders to prioritize their safety when driving. Still, it is also important for them to know what to do should they get into an accident. As soon as an accident happens, it is imperative to call the police. The police will show up and take statements and examine the scene. If medical care is necessary, they will call an ambulance. In addition, move all vehicles off of the road so that no additional accidents happen. If the vehicles are too damaged to move, use flares or your flashers to warn other drivers.
It is crucial that you immediately exchange information with all other drivers involved. This includes their name, address, phone number, license plate number, driver’s license number, and information off of their insurance card. If you have a camera, take pictures of the damage on your motorcycle and on any other vehicles involved. You must also report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most policies require this immediate reporting in order to provide coverage. Also, do not deny medical care if you feel that you even slightly need it. Later on, if you file a personal injury claim with insurance, it will weaken your claim if you initially denied medical care.
Property Damage Claim
When it comes to filing a claim with insurance, there are two different types of claims that can be filed. The first is a property damage claim. This type of claim is to get coverage for the damage to the motorcycle. This type of coverage includes costs such as repairs, replacement of the motorcycle in the event it is totaled, towing expenses, and the cost to rent a vehicle while yours is being repaired. If the accident was another driver’s fault, you would seek compensation from their policy. If the accident was your fault, you make the claim against your own insurance company. Filing a claim with your insurance often makes your rates go up. Keep this in mind when you are considering filing versus covering repairs out of pocket. If you do decide to file for property damage, someone from the insurance company will come out to inspect the motorcycle.
Personal Injury Claim
A property damage claim is pretty simple to handle on your own with the insurance companies. A personal injury claim, on the other hand, is a bit more complicated. You should get an attorney when you are making a personal injury claim. At Reynolds, Horne & Survant, we are very experienced in helping those with injuries from motorcycle accidents get fairly compensated. If the accident was the fault of the other driver, then their insurance company is responsible for amounts up to their policy limits. When the compensation is more than the policy limit, the driver is responsible for payment.
If it was your fault or no other drivers were involved, then you must file a claim through your own insurance company. Your lawyer will create a case with the goal being to get you fair compensation for your personal injury. Areas of compensation can include medical bills, wages lost while out of work due to the injury, pain and suffering, and permanent injury. Often lawyers build their defense around the negligence of the other driver, meaning they were not acting responsibly and following the laws when the accident occurred.
How to File a Personal Injury Claim After Motorcycle Accidents
The process for filing a personal injury claim is not necessarily an easy one and contains many loopholes. For example, if you denied needing medical care at the scene of the accident, this can weaken the claim. In addition, if you skip any appointments like physical therapy, this can harm your case as well. Fortunately, your lawyer is here to help you understand all these loopholes and tell you what you need to do to make the strongest case for yourself.
A claims adjuster will work on your case. You should be organized and honest when you speak with them. Have all of your medical records together and any other evidence that has been gathered. Working with an attorney helps the injured party to get a fair settlement from the claims adjuster. Claims adjusters will often try to pay out much less than is necessary. This is why it is so important to have an attorney on your side.
At Reynolds, Horne & Survant, we understand how hard it is dealing with injuries from motorcycle accidents and insurance claims all at once. It can be difficult to deal with insurance with a clear mind when you are hurting. Our goal is to help make the claims process as easy as possible.
Motorcycle accidents are scary. It is important to file a property damage or personal injury claim immediately with the insurance provider. It is also crucial to call an attorney such as Reynolds, Horne & Survant. We know the ins and outs of filing claims after accidents, and we can help build a case that gets you the compensation you deserve. For more information about the services we provide, contact us today.
