back to articles | October 21, 2024 | Catherine Park
Categories: Motorcycle
How to Maximize Compensation in a Motorcycle Accident Claim
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident due to somebody else’s fault or negligence, you have a legal right to compensation for your damages.
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident due to somebody else’s fault or negligence, you have a legal right to compensation for your damages. Nonetheless, the settlement amount you get significantly depends on the steps you take following the motorcycle crash. Discussed below is how to maximize compensation in a motorcycle accident claim.
Hire a motorcycle accident attorney
While securing the highest possible compensation following a motorcycle crash is crucial, it isn’t easy. Without the right skills and experience, navigating the intricacies of motorcycle accident law, legal procedures, and insurance claims can be overwhelming. As such, representing yourself in a motorcycle accident claim may result in little or no compensation.
However, collaborating with a motorcycle accident lawyer can help maximize your settlement. These experts have extensive knowledge and experience dealing with similar cases, which equips them to build a strong representation on your behalf. A skilled lawyer, such as an Atlanta motorcycle accident attorney, can help maximize your settlement in various ways, including:
- Ensuring accurate claim valuation: Your lawyer will assess all the damages, including medical costs, lost wages, future rehabilitation expenses, pain and suffering property damage, emotional distress, and more, to ensure fair compensation
- Negotiating with insurers: Insurance adjusters use different tactics, like offering low compensation to reduce payouts. Your attorney understands these tricks and how to effectively counter them to ensure the highest possible settlement. If you have a negative experience with your insurer, you can always change to these preferred auto insurance companies in the future
Prioritize prompt medical care
Alongside expediting your recovery and preventing long-term health complications, seeking prompt medical attention is key to maximizing your motorcycle accident settlement. Failure to get treated immediately can result in insurance companies claiming that your injuries aren’t related to the accident or weren’t severe, denying or lowering your compensation claim. Immediate medical care after an accident helps document your injuries and their severity, creating crucial evidence for your personal injury claim. In addition, insurance companies need proof of your treatment and injuries (medical records) for proper evaluation and compensation.
Gather proof
You need evidence to build a strong case and receive maximum settlement for your motorcycle accident claim. Some of the vital evidence pieces you need include:
- Police report: Get a copy of the official police report immediately after the accident
- Videos and photos: Visual proof is quite powerful when showcasing the severity of the motorcycle crash and the extent of your injuries. Take pictures and videos of the accident scene, road conditions, your injuries, and other damages
- Witness statements and contact details: If there are any eyewitnesses at the accident scene, record their statements and contact information
- Medical bills and records: These will prove your injuries, the treatment you got plus any medical care you’ll need in the future
Avoid social media
Social media posts after a motorcycle crash can compromise your compensation claim. Insurance companies and the at-fault party’s legal team can use the images, videos, and other information you share on social media against you. Claiming serious injuries and then sharing photos and videos of you engaging in sporting activities can undermine your credibility.
Comments from family and friends suggesting something contrary to your claim can jeopardize your settlement. To ensure fair compensation, keep off social media until your compensation claim is settled. If you must post, avoid the subject around your motorcycle accident to ensure optimal compensation.
Endnote
While you’re entitled to a settlement following a motorbike crash that wasn’t your fault, the amount differs on what you do after the incident. Use these tips to maximize your motorcycle accident claim.