What not to do after a motorcycle accidentAs a motorcycle rider, you know that the smallest movements can have huge consequences. You had to ride for years before you knew exactly how to lean, how to judge distance, and how to avoid potholes and debris—but now that you’ve been in an accident, you'll have to learn how to avoid the pitfalls in your case.

Although filing a motorcycle injury claim may be new to you, insurers and their attorneys have been doing it for years, placing you at a significant disadvantage.

Simple Mistakes That Can Harm Your Motorcycle Crash Recovery

You'll have to make many serious decisions in the days after a crash, including choices about your injuries, employment, insurance claim, and finances. While you should always prioritize your health, insurers aren't going to wait until you're healed to begin building a case against you, and will likely fight your claim while you're still struggling with the pain of recovery.

One of the many benefits of hiring a motorcycle accident attorney is that I can prevent you from making common mistakes that harm your legal case as you recover. For example, I can protect you from:

  • Biker bias. The overwhelming majority of motorcycle wrecks are caused by the negligence of other drivers. Unfortunately, the perception of bikers as irresponsible or reckless is alive and well, and can influence insurance adjusters as they calculate the value of your claim. Our attorneys can prevent you from taking the blame for an accident that wasn't your fault.
  • Saying too much. Insurers can use anything you say to avoid paying for damages. If you tell the other driver, the police, or your insurance company that you weren’t injured at the scene but end up at the hospital days later, an insurance adjuster might attempt to claim that your injury is unrelated to the accident. It's critical that you stick to the facts when speaking to an insurance agent. Never speculate on the cause of the accident, apologize for your actions, or discuss your injuries with an insurance provider in a recorded statement.
  • Further injury. You should always go to the doctor immediately after an accident, even if you think you're not seriously injured. Crash injuries can take hours or even days to fully show symptoms, so it's always better to be safe than sorry and get checked out by a medical professional. 
  • Incomplete treatment. You must follow doctor’s orders and go to all follow-up appointments related to your injury. If you try to return to work too early or refuse further treatment, you're placing your health and legal recovery at risk. Follow any lifting or movement restrictions your doctor advises, and wait to go back to work until you're medically cleared to do so.
  • Destroying evidence. Many riders are eager to fix their bikes immediately so they can get back on the road. However, your bike is a vital piece of evidence in your case and can be used to show proof of negligence and the extent of damage caused by the accident. Our attorneys can have the bike fully photo-documented and placed in storage until your case comes to court.
  • Unfair settlement offers. The insurance company’s only goal is to pay you as little as possible. Insurers may send an early settlement offer that seems adequate but doesn't begin to cover your ongoing medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, and other expenses.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, I can advise you on the best options and get the compensation you need to recover. Simply fill out the quick contact form on this page to set up a consultation and get answers to your questions.

 

Paul R. Cavonis
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Injury Law and Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney