After a motorcycle accident, any conscious survivor needs to keep two major interests at the top of their mind: their health and their possible insurance claim. Otherwise, as experienced motorcycle accident attorneys can tell you, they could potentially lose both.
Riders should understand that there are key mistakes to avoid in a Baton Rouge motorcycle accident case, beginning at the scene.
How a Motorcycle Claim Should Work
All vehicle owners are required to carry liability insurance to help cover injuries and property damage caused in an accident. After a motorcycle accident in Baton Rouge, there are several important steps riders and drivers should take. Leaving the scene, failing to contact law enforcement, or refusing to exchange insurance information can seriously complicate a claim.
Police officers are responsible for preparing an official crash report, which can serve as important evidence during the claims process. Those involved in the accident can request or download a copy of the report, although it may take several days before it becomes available.
Insurance companies often require accident victims or surviving family members to report the crash and begin the claims process quickly—sometimes within as little as 24 hours. Once a claim is filed, the insurance company will investigate the accident and review evidence to determine fault. The compensation available may depend not only on the facts of the crash, but also on how the injured person handled the aftermath of the accident.
What Should Survivors Do at the Accident Scene?
Anyone involved in a motorcycle accident should seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if they do not immediately feel injured. Some serious conditions, such as internal bleeding or head injuries, may not show symptoms right away but can become life-threatening without treatment. Prompt medical care also creates documentation that may be important when pursuing compensation for injuries and other losses.
Gathering evidence at the scene can also help support a future claim. If possible, survivors should take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signs, and visible injuries. It may also help to identify witnesses and nearby businesses or homes that could have security camera footage. Strong evidence can make it more difficult for an insurance company to dispute the severity or cause of the accident.
What is said after a crash can also affect a claim. Baton Rouge drivers and motorcyclists should avoid apologizing, admitting fault, or downplaying their injuries, even if they are only trying to be polite or calm the situation. Insurance companies may later use those statements against them. For similar reasons, it is often best to avoid discussing the accident on social media while a claim is pending, since even unrelated posts may be taken out of context and used to challenge an injury claim.
Call a Lawyer in Baton Rouge To Avoid Mistakes in a Motorcycle Accident Case
One of the major mistakes to avoid in a Baton Rouge motorcycle accident case is trying to handle it alone while struggling to recover from your injuries. Our Tomeny | Best attorneys have decades of experience fighting for injury victims.
Contact an experienced attorney today to discuss your circumstances. There is no fee for the consultation; we get paid when you do.