Getting into a motorcycle accident can be scary and confusing. Even if it’s almost sure that the other vehicle’s operator is at fault, you will still need to figure out how to best proceed with your claim. Fortunately, as an at-fault driver, you are not shut out of any potential compensation. You might even come out ahead in some ways as an at-fault driver. This is because an at-fault driver receives more from their insurance company than they pay in the claim settlement. This means you will have more money available to use for your recovery after the accident.
Here is what you should do when you’re the at-fault driver in a motorcycle accident:
- Contact the Police and File a Police Report
Filling a police report is an essential first step in any accident. It is important to file a police report because it will help the other driver prove their side of the story. Filing a police report is also essential for your protection. You will want to ensure you are not being accused of doing something wrong or lying about events that transpired.
- Contact Your Insurance Company and File an Insurance Claim
As an at-fault driver, your insurance company will be more willing to take your claim and work with you to resolve it. You should contact your insurance company and file an insurance claim as soon as possible. This will allow them to submit a fair settlement offer.
- Get Medical Treatment and Consult a Lawyer
You should also contact a medical professional and get medical treatment as soon as possible. If you do not, the other driver may be able to argue that you were not injured; therefore, no settlement is warranted. You should also call experienced motorricycle accident lawyers to discuss your accident and get legal consultation.
- Seek Restitution for Your Injuries and Loss of Use of Your Motorcycle
You should also seek restitution for any monetary loss you have suffered due to the accident. You will want to ensure that you are not shortchanged in your settlement amount by the insurance company.
- File a Lawsuit Against the Other Driver if Necessary
If you are not satisfied with the settlement offer, you may want to file a lawsuit. This is a legal suit that you initiate against the other driver. You will want to consult experienced motorcycle accident lawyers before you file this type of lawsuit. This is because a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you with the process and possibly get you more money than you would have received if you had filed the lawsuit on your own.
- Take Photos and Video Footage of Your Accident Scene
You should also take photos and video footage of your accident scene as soon as possible. It will allow both parties to have evidence in court regarding what transpired at the accident scene. You should ensure that all parties involved are photographed with their injuries and damages before taking photos or video footage to protect yourself if needed legally.
If you have been the victim of a motorcycle accident, you should consult an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. You need to ensure that you are not shortchanged in your settlement amount by an insurance company or the other driver who was at fault. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you do not need to suffer more than necessary.
