Motorcycle riders frequently suffer severe injuries in accidents caused by negligent drivers. A motorcycle accident might leave you with significant injuries that require hospitalization and rehabilitation, prevent you from working, and affect your quality of life. If another motorist was at fault, you might be entitled to seek compensation to help you rebuild your life.
The steps you take after being injured in a motorcycle accident in Orange County could affect how much compensation you receive, and understanding your rights is essential. Our motorcycle accident lawyers at Sam & Ash Injury Law in Newport Beach have decades of experience and recovered more than $400 million in compensation for our clients. So contact us for a free consultation with a compassionate Orange County motorcycle accident attorney.
What Should You Do Right After a Motorcycle Accident?
According to the California Vehicle Code, here are your legal obligations after a crash resulting in injuries to any parties involved in the accident:
- Stop your vehicle at the scene of the accident.
- Report the accident to the police and remain at the scene.
- Give the following information to the driver or occupants of any vehicle you collided with:
- Your name
- Your current address
- The names and current addresses of any occupants of your vehicle who were injured in the accident
- Your driver’s license
- The registration number of the vehicle you are driving
- The name and current address of the owner of the vehicle you are driving
- Provide your driver’s license and registration information to the law enforcement officer at the scene of the accident.
- Give reasonable assistance to anyone hurt in the crash, including making arrangements to have them transported for medical treatment if it’s apparent that emergency aid is necessary or if the injured person requests an ambulance.
We recommend you take some additional steps after a motorcycle accident to protect your rights to seek compensation, such as:
- Call authorities even if nobody sustained apparent injuries. You will need an official report documenting the motorcycle accident when you file a claim for compensation. Responding officers will create a report when they investigate the crash.
- Take pictures of the crash scene if you are able. Make sure you get photos of your injuries, the damage to any vehicle involved in the collision, and the general crash area.
- Look for nearby surveillance cameras, and note their location. We also recommend looking for potential eyewitnesses and asking them for their contact information.
- Seek medical treatment immediately, even if you feel fine. You may have internal injuries that have not manifested yet and could be serious. Furthermore, you want a doctor to diagnose and document your injuries as soon as possible after the accident.
- Stay off social media. Insurance company adjusters will look for any comments or photos you post on social media and use them against you to discredit and deny your accident claim.
- Save your medical records and receipts. These documents will be useful evidence in a personal injury claim.
- Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company until you meet with a lawyer. Anything you say to an insurer could harm your case, so it is best to let an attorney handle all communication with the insurance companies.
- Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer. An experienced attorney at Sam & Ash Injury Law can help you evaluate your legal options and pursue a claim for fair compensation for your injuries.
What Should You Not Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
Some things you should avoid doing after a motorcycle accident include:
- Speculating about what caused the crash. If the police ask you what happened in the accident, stick to the facts and keep your response short. Speculating and providing inaccurate information could damage your credibility and hurt your chances of recovering fair compensation.
- Delaying medical treatment. Waiting too long to see a doctor could allow your injuries to worsen and complicate a personal injury claim.
- Talking to insurance companies. You are required to notify your insurance company of the accident, but when you do, stick to the basic facts. Because insurance companies want to minimize payouts for your injuries in any way they can. So talk to an attorney before giving an insurer a recorded statement about the accident.
- Posting pictures on social media. A vacation photo or photo of you playing with children could call into question the seriousness of your injuries and undermine your case for compensation.
Why Should You Take Legal Steps After a Motorcycle Accident in Orange County?
A significant motorcycle accident could lead to thousands of dollars of medical bills. If you protect your rights, you can avoid falling overwhelmed with bills and financial stress. You can seek compensation for physical injuries and emotional pain, but recovering what’s fair from an insurance company is difficult without a lawyer’s help. Acting quickly to protect your rights gives you a better chance of securing the money you need to rebuild your life.
Will You Get More Settlement Money With a Personal Injury Lawyer?
No lawyer can promise a specific result, but having experienced legal representation gives you the best chance to pursue a successful claim. Insurance companies have substantial resources to fight against your motorcycle accident case, so you can give yourself the best chance of getting the settlement you deserve by working with a good attorney. A Newport Beach motorcycle accident lawyer can investigate the accident, identify those financially responsible, build a strong case for compensation, and prevent mistakes that might undermine your case.
Contact Our Motorcycle Law Experts NOW!
Our Orange County motorcycle accident attorneys at Sam & Ash Injury Law are ready to protect your rights and fight against the insurance company on your behalf. Call or text us today at 702-820-1234 or click here for more information on how we can help you get What’s Right after an injury — it’s quick, easy, and pressure-free.
Site by 