Injured in a Motorcycle Wreck? Take These 4 Steps Immediately

A motorcycle wreck can lead to life-altering injuries, permanent psychological scars, and significant financial burdens. Faced with these seemingly insurmountable challenges, it’s only natural to feel completely overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next. 

However, it’s important to bring your focus back to the possibility of filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. The resulting settlement could give you the funds you need to get your life back on track—hopefully helping you leave the trauma of this devastating incident in your rear view. 

In this article, we share a few steps you should always take after a wreck that might help give your claim a strong start: 

Seek Medical Attention 

After a wreck, your health and safety should be your number one priority. While it might seem like you’ve survived the crash unscathed, it’s possible that you’ve suffered a serious impact injury that hasn’t yet shown any symptoms. Scheduling a doctor’s visit right away will ensure that a potentially life-threatening condition doesn’t go unchecked. 

Additionally, when you undergo a medical assessment, this will arm you with records of your treatment and make it easier to tie your injuries to the wreck. Delaying or foregoing this important step could lead to disputes. For instance, the insurer might argue that you suffered your injuries in a separate incident as the date of your doctor’s visit doesn’t correlate with the date of the crash. 

Finally, you should sit down to write a firsthand account of what happened. In your version of events, make sure to stick to the facts and document every detail, no matter how insignificant it may seem. 

Document the Wreck 

From road markings to surveillance camera footage, much of the evidence that might be useful to your case is time sensitive. Wait too long to gather such proof, and you might find that it has been altered, destroyed, or is no longer available.  

Using your smartphone, you should start taking pictures of the accident scene, making sure to document every element from multiple angles and distances. If anyone else saw the accident happen, you should take down their names and contact details to share with your attorney. Additionally, if you noticed surveillance cameras near the scene—or believe someone captured footage of the incident on their vehicle’s dashcam—it may be wise to obtain this footage right away as it is often overwritten every few days. 

Stick to Your Treatment Plan 

Once you’ve received a diagnosis, you will need to be diligent about following your doctor’s orders. Any signs that you went off script could be used against you when you file your claim. For instance, the insurer might argue that by ignoring your healthcare provider’s instructions, you may have aggravated your injuries leading to additional—but ultimately, avoidable—damages. In such situations, you could be held partially or entirely liable for the resulting costs. 

Track Your Expenses Carefully 

Keeping a comprehensive tally of your accident-related expenses will make it easier for you to recover compensation down the line. Ultimately, the insurance company will not pay out for any costs you are unable to demonstrate, so these financial documents will likely play a crucial role during proceedings.  

Examples of important documentation might include: 

  • Paystubs or letters from your employer documenting missed paychecks, 
  • Invoices for the healthcare you’ve received, 
  • Bills for any vehicle repairs,
  • Receipts for necessary replacement services, and 
  • Personal injury journal entries. 

Speak to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in California Today 

If you were hurt in a motorcycle wreck caused by someone else’s negligent or reckless actions, turn to the legal team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers. Our California motorcycle accident attorneys can help you navigate proceedings, providing aggressive representation at each step.  

Our goal isn’t just to assist in your fight for a fair settlement, but also to take steps to help minimize stress for you and your family during this challenging chapter of your life. Call us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or skip over to our contact form HERE to lock in a free case assessment.