There aren’t many personal events that are as chaotic, sudden, and overwhelming as being involved in an accident, especially as a motorcyclist. If you were recently in a collision with a vehicle, you may be wondering what to do next.
First and foremost: seek medical attention. Hopefully, this was your first step after the accident, but if you didn’t go then, go now! Oftentimes, a person in an accident won’t feel pain from their injuries until a day or two later, after their body has recovered from the shock. Even if you still feel fine, get checked out; it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Noting the scene
Ideally, you would have taken down the names of any witnesses to the accident, and definitely the details of the other driver. Right after the accident, try to take photos of the scene, of your injuries, and of the damage to your motorcycle or any other property.
If you didn’t then, go back when you can, while the memories are still fresh in your mind, and get the pictures. Diagram the scene as you remember it, and take photos of any skid marks, or remaining damage to surrounding infrastructure. Get detailed photos of damage to your bike, too.
Track expenses
Write down anything you spent due to the accident, from medical bills to lost wages: any monetary loss that you incurred after the accident. Keep track of damage to your motorcycle, the cost to tow or recover the bike from impound, if necessary, and fees for the rental car or taxi needed to get you around in the meantime. Anything that you spend that you wouldn’t have otherwise needed to pay for is eligible for compensation, either from the insurance company, or from the settlement later on.
Contact an attorney
This should be a step you take early on in the process. As soon as you think you may have a case against the other driver, you have the right to seek compensation. And the earlier you bring an experienced attorney–preferably one with personal and professional experience of motorcycle laws in Arizona–the better.
Once you have taken care of the most immediately pressing needs after a motorcycle accident, take steps to ensure that this accident doesn’t destroy your finances and prospects for the future. Work with a lawyer who will ensure that the insurance companies deliver fair compensation.
Did you know that Simon Law Group is a motorcycle accident specialist, and attorney Craig Simon is himself a motorcyclist? Who better to trust with the aftermath of your outcome than an experienced attorney and experienced rider?
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