According to the latest research, even though motorcycles make up only 3% of registered vehicles, motorcycle accidents make up 14% of all fatal traffic accidents.
If you were in a motorcycle accident and survived, you might need to make a claim to get some compensation. However, it can be tricky, and you need to do it carefully.
Keep reading to discover the important motorcycle accident claim mistakes that you need to avoid.
1. Not Accepting Medical Treatment
One big mistake that a motorcycle accident lawyer will see a lot is a victim not accepting medical treatment after the accident. Even if it’s a minor accident, and you don’t think you’re injured, you should go.
For serious injuries, it’s more important for your own safety. Going to the doctor can prove that you had serious injuries, and the doctor will make notes of all the records.
You should also keep a detailed list of all your bills and records of each visit. If you don’t get medical attention or discontinue the treatment, the insurance might use this to say that your injuries weren’t as serious as you claim.
This could result in you getting less money.
2. Not Reporting an Accident
Reporting an accident after it happens is also important. In some states, it’s actually illegal not to contact the police after an accident.
But if you don’t file a claim, your insurance will use that against you because you won’t have the proper motorcycle accident claim documents.
3. Not Following Medical Advice
When you go to the doctor, make sure that you follow all of the provider’s advice. For example, you might have to do exercises or daily stretchers.
If you don’t follow through with them, it’ll be on your medical record, and this can show the insurance company that you’re not making a full recovery. They could use this against you and say that your lack of recovery is your fault, not the car accident.
4. Not Tracking Losses
When you’re filing a claim, you’re trying to recover any compensation for medical bills, lost time at work, and damages. However, you need to have all of the documentation and receipts to prove it.
If you misplace any of these documents, it’ll be difficult to convince the insurance that you’re owed that money. Share these important documents with your lawyer when you first meet them.
5. Not Taking Pictures
This might seem obvious, but almost everything can be used as evidence. After a crash, your first instinct might not be to take pictures, but it can really help to back your story up.
You should document everything and make sure you have backups in case any of them gets lost.
Discover More Motorcycle Accident Claim Mistakes
These are only a few motorcycle accident claim mistakes to avoid, but there are many more.
If you want to avoid them and ensure that you get the most compensation possible, hire the right motorcycle accident lawyer.
Check out our website to learn more about how we can help your case be successful!