Motorcycle accidents have the potential to inflict devastating injuries upon a biker. If such a collision directly results from someone else’s negligence, the injured party has a right to pursue compensation from those responsible. Unfortunately, collecting a fair settlement is not always an easy feat for bikers to do alone.
Because many people believe that motorcyclists are reckless, insurance companies typically offer lowball settlements to bikers or even try to deny their legitimate claims. Working with a local motorcycle accident attorney could force an insurance company to negotiate in good faith. We will not let insurance companies take advantage of you and will ensure your voice is heard. Contact our firm today to discuss what to do after a motorcycle accident in Seattle with a dedicated lawyer.
Get Medical Attention and Comply with Medical Advice
In most motorcycle accident cases, the biker leaves the scene by ambulance. Even when there are no apparent signs of severe injury, the risk of head trauma requires that emergency medical personnel take a biker to the hospital after a crash.
Motorcyclists should accept the ride to the hospital even if it feels unnecessary. The biker’s future health depends on an immediate examination of their injuries. Another consideration is that if the biker declines transport and does not seek immediate care, an insurance company could deny an injury claim based on the biker’s post-crash activity. The insurer might assert that the biker was fine after the crash and must have injured themselves some other way.
After a motorcycle accident in Seattle, it is vital to follow medical professionals’ advice closely. An insurance company could use any evidence of medical non-compliance to assert that the biker is responsible for any lingering or permanent effects of the injury.
Get Legal Support Immediately
Knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident in Seattle is important because motorcycle crashes can be more complicated than other vehicle accidents. The biker is likely to suffer more significant injuries than an occupant of an enclosed vehicle. In addition, prejudice still exists against motorcycle riders, and insurance companies are not immune. They work hard to avoid paying appropriate settlements for motorcycle accident claims.
Because the injuries are likely to be severe, the insurers for the other parties often approach an injured biker early in the process with a lowball offer and pressure them to sign. A biker could escape the pressure by having an attorney handle all communication from other parties’ insurers.
Doing so benefits the rider because it allows them to focus on recovering from the crash. Funneling all communication through an attorney also ensures that the insurance companies do not take advantage of the biker and trick them into making an admission they will later use to deny or discount the biker’s claim.
Say as Little as Possible to Everyone
After a traumatic event like a motorcycle accident, many people may have questions about what happened. Friends, family, and work colleagues will want to know about the incident, and the temptation to explain the event is strong. Motorcyclists should make every effort to avoid speaking about the accident.
Insurance companies are likely to make contact and want to take a recorded statement. Motorcyclists should not agree to make a statement before speaking with a Seattle motorcycle accident attorney and learning what to do. In many cases, the attorney might want to be present when the biker gives a statement to the insurer.
Motorcyclists should be aware that insurance companies will review their social media accounts, looking for evidence they could use to limit a settlement. The companies might distort or misconstrue any words the biker uses or pictures they post. A biker’s best strategy is to begin a social media blackout at the moment of the accident and stay off social media platforms until they have a reasonable settlement.
Learn What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Seattle from an Attorney
If you sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident, the negligent parties whose conduct caused the crash could be held responsible for your damages. However, insurance companies seek any excuse to avoid paying a biker what they deserve for their losses.
A seasoned attorney could advise you on what to do after a motorcycle accident in Seattle in order to preserve your rights and enhance your chances of recovering a fair damages award. Call our firm today to speak with a capable legal professional about your unique situation.
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