Filing a Motorcycle Accident Claim in the USA?
If you have been riding your motorcycle, you know that an accident can happen anytime. To handle this, you will want to file a motorcycle accident claim. While there are many steps, here is what you should remember when filing the claim.
Motorcycle Accidents: What Do You Need to Do?
The common causes of motorcycle accidents include inclement weather, drugs, and unworthy roads. With that in mind, knowing the steps to take at the accident scene to secure a claim is vital.
The first step is to let the insurance company know about the accident. Ask them what they want you to do next. The second step is to take photos of the scene of the accident and any sustained injuries. You may need these photos later on during court proceedings or medical examinations.
If the police are around, give them a statement of what happened. This way, they can write up a report for the insurance company. Again, ensure that you tell them of other vehicles involved or if your bike got hit. With this information, they can determine if your injuries need medical attention.
If the injuries are severe, seeking medical attention will be the most urgent. But, if you are all well, the next step would be to gather credible information about the accident. Often, you do that by examining the crash scene. This exercise includes talking with witnesses present at the time of impact.
Why Would You Need a Lawyer?
Seeking an attorney should be the next step after completing the ones above. The thing is, some of the first-timers may not know why. The road to compensation could be overwhelming. You may not recover medical bills, damages, or any lost wages without a lawyer. Hiring a lawyer is vital because insurance companies cannot intimidate them.
The attorney will review all the evidence in your case and account for every detail. Apart from that, they can also provide insight into what happened. This they do by determining discrepancies between the witness statements and police reports. The information can then help whether you were at fault in your case.
Also, a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you negotiate with insurance companies. They usually determine how much compensation is appropriate for your injuries. They also assess whether there are any extra costs associated with your case. Moreover, the attorney can check the company's liability for another driver's caused damages.
What You Need to Know About a Contingency Fee
A motorist may worry about the cost and lacks the money to pay anything upfront. In such a case, he will have to find a lawyer who will work on a contingency fee basis. The contract requires the lawyer not to charge any money until they wins the case. The client and the lawyer should enter an agreement by signing a document to certify the process.
If you have encountered a motorcycle accident, always contact an experienced attorney. It is safer to start discussing your options for compensation and representation.