Most motorcycle accidents lead to injuries, increasing the need to seek compensation. It is vital to file a claim to the insurance company for compensation after a motorcycle accident. In most cases, motorcycle claims are settled outside the court, while some end up in court, depending on their complexity. Immediately after the accident, the insurance adjuster may call you with an offer or ask you to make a recorded statement. It is vital to remember that the adjuster works for the interests of the insurance companies, not yours. Therefore, it is best to take the proper procedures to get the compensation you deserve. Here is what you should do.
Get Help from a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The insurance adjuster will use anything you say against you. For instance, if you tell them you had a leg injury years back that became severe after the accident, they will use that information to show that the accident did not cause the injury. The adjuster will also come with a first offer before you know the extent of your injuries. Accepting it means you can no longer get compensation even after other accident-related injuries suffice. The best thing to avoid making mistakes that may jeopardize your claim is getting help from a motorcycle accident attorney. Let the lawyer handle everything, including dealing with the adjuster, as you focus on getting better.
Gather Evidence
It is also vital to gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim. That means taking pictures of the motorcycle and scene, witness information, and police report. If you think there were cameras around, you can ask for the owner’s footage. The best thing about having an attorney is that the professional will help gather all the evidence you need.
Calculate Damages
When filing the claim, it is crucial to know the losses you have suffered and their cost. This is how you will see the amount of compensation you deserve. Possible damages in a motorcycle accident include:
- Medical bills, including emergency rooms
- Ongoing care
- Surgery
- Rehabilitation services
- Medication
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of employment
- Loss of limbs
- Lost wages
Evaluate how the injuries have affected the quality of your life now and in the future. How will you cope after the accident? Will you need special care? Have you suffered permanent disability? Discuss the extent of the injuries to calculate the magnitude of your losses.
Negotiate with the Insurance Company
You may want to settle the claim soon, so doing it outside court is best. However, dealing with the insurance company is challenging. The company will use all tricks and find faults to avoid paying. The adjuster will also allure you into saying things that might lead to the denial of your claim. In that case, it is best to leave the job of negotiating to the attorney. The expert has a lot of experience in dealing with insurance adjusters. They know the tricks the companies use to minimize payment or not pay. Therefore, they will work their way to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Takeaways
A lawyer will work with you to understand what happened in the accident and assist you in filing the claim. They will diligently work and negotiate with the adjuster to ensure you get the proper compensation. Their goal is to protect your rights to get compensation.
