It is common to experience shock and confusion after a motorcycle accident, not knowing what to do next. At this time, you need to stay calm and ensure your safety. This will allow you to figure out the next course of action, a move that will lay the basis for future legal actions.
During this time, you need to contact a reputable Ohio motorcycle accident lawyer for legal assistance. Your motorcycle accident lawyer will investigate the events leading to the motorcycle accident to establish liability. If someone was at fault, the lawyer would help file a claim to seek restitution for the challenges you’ve endured due to the accident.
Read on to find out more about what to do after a motorcycle accident and the value of legal assistance.
What you do immediately following an accident is very key for your safety and any future legal actions. If you take appropriate steps, you will have an easy time navigating the rest of the process, including filing the claims.
Here are the appropriate steps to take as advised by our injury attorneys:
First and foremost, assess yourself and others involved for any injuries. Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to consult your doctor to rule out any internal injuries that may not be immediately observable. Importantly, medical attention provides the necessary documentation to link your injuries to the accident.
If you’re able, document the accident scene thoroughly. With your smartphone camera, take clear photographs that capture visible injuries, road conditions, and the entire accident scene. Obtain the contact details of witnesses, which can help in establishing fault and proving your claims.
Under ORC Section 4509.74, you must report a motorcycle accident to the police if there were injuries, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. A police report is a key documentation that provides an official account of what occurred.
The officers will gather statements, assess the scene, and create a written accident report, which they submit to the director of public safety.
Inform your insurance company about the crash as soon as you can. Provide them with all the pertinent details and cooperate with their processes to ensure your claim is processed efficiently.
However, it is advisable to be mindful of what you say to them. This is because they might use your statements to deny the claim, especially if they suggest you owned up to the responsibility. Avoid recording statements with them until you get advice from your lawyer so as to avoid such complications.
Finally, consider reaching out to a motorcycle accident lawyer for sound professional advice. Your lawyer will help you investigate the incident to establish liability, determine the worth of your claim, and work to secure compensation for the injuries you’ve sustained.
Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer is a move that cannot be underestimated. These lawyers have rich experience in courtrooms and can handle the legal maze with precision. So, give yourself that edge that can make a whole lot of difference in your claim.
Your lawyer will handle the following:
Determining who is at fault is the cornerstone of a winning accident case. Your lawyer will help prove negligence on the part of the other party. Since Ohio is an “at-fault” state, the responsible party or their insurance must cover the damages. The lawyer will collect evidence to ascertain liability.
Your motorcycle attorney will also assess the full impact of the crash on your life. He will look at the current and future medical expenses, missed earnings, pain and suffering, and any long-term challenges such as disability. A comprehensive evaluation ensures that all potential losses are considered when filing your claim.
Insurance companies often offer settlements that are not in line with the demand letter. This disparity exists because insurers aim to minimize payouts and protect their financial assets. However, your lawyer will negotiate assertively to ensure you obtain a settlement that reflects your losses.
If negotiations fail to yield just compensation, your lawyer will submit a lawsuit and represent you in court. Throughout the litigation process, they will advocate for your rights and present compelling evidence to secure meaningful compensation.
Compiling evidence is essential in building a robust motorcycle accident injury claim. Ideally, you should begin to gather evidence right at the accident scene. This allows you to retain fresh evidence to support your claim.
To gather credible evidence, you need to have a lawyer to undertake the task. He will employ the existing evidence and continue to gather additional information to construct a convincing argument supporting your claims. Usually, your motorcycle accident attorney will look at the following:
After you submit a claim to your insurer, the insurance company will nominate an adjuster to carry out a thorough investigation. It is advisable to cooperate fully with them and provide the details they ask for so as to expedite the process.
While cooperation is important, be very cautious when recording statements with the insurance adjuster. Anything you say can potentially be used against you to minimize your claim. For example, if you inadvertently downplay your injuries, they might use this statement to reduce their liability and offer a lower settlement.
It is best to let your attorney deal with the insurance company. Attorneys have experience dealing with adjusters and can fight back their tricks. Even if you must speak with the insurance company at some point, always seek guidance from your lawyer on how to handle different questions and scenarios so you can maintain a strong position throughout the process.
While accidents involving motorcycles are too common, most are avoidable with good driving/riding practices. Here are the tips to prevent motorcycle accidents, according to the NHTSA:
Fortunately, using these tips can help reduce the risk of an accident to a great extent. However, should a motorcycle crash occur due to another party’s negligence, don’t hesitate to request the help of a motorcycle accident attorney at Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz. Your legal advocate will determine if you have a valid case and offer legal advice on what to do next after the accident.
If you are wondering what to do following a crash and injuries, look no further than our legal team. Contact Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz today for a free consultation. Our attorneys from Ohio Tiger are ready to assess your options.
Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Mann who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury attorney.
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