A motorcycle crash can be a harrowing experience, leaving riders with not only physical injuries but also numerous legal concerns. As you deal with this difficult time, it’s important to know your rights:
Right To Medical Care
As legal professionals like our friends at Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC can explain, your immediate priority after a motorcycle crash should be to seek medical attention. Regardless of whether the injuries appear severe or minor, it is vital to get a thorough check-up as some symptoms or injuries may not present themselves immediately. You have the right to receive medical treatment and to have those medical expenses covered if another party is found to be at fault.
Right To Report The Accident
You have the right to report the accident to local law enforcement. This is a critical step, as a police report will provide an official record of the incident, including details about the location, time, and conditions under which the crash occurred. This document can be crucial in legal proceedings or insurance claims to establish the facts of the case.
Right To Document The Scene
If you are physically able to do so, it is within your rights to gather evidence at the scene. This can include taking photographs of your motorcycle, the other vehicles involved, the road conditions, and any visible injuries you may have sustained. You can also collect names and contact information from witnesses who saw the crash.
Right To File An Insurance Claim
You have the right to file a claim with your insurance company or the insurer of the other party involved in the crash. This includes compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages. It’s important to file these claims promptly, as delays can affect the processing and outcome of your claim.
Right To Privacy
Your privacy must be respected throughout the aftermath of the accident. This includes the confidentiality of your medical records, discussions with your lawyer, and any negotiations carried out. Information should only be shared with your consent and as necessary to advance your case.
Right To Legal Representation
Perhaps one of the most important rights you have after a motorcycle crash is the right to seek legal representation. Your motorcycle accident lawyer can offer advice on how to proceed with claims, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary.
Right To Refuse Quick Settlement Offers
After a motorcycle crash, insurance companies may contact you to offer a quick settlement. You have the right to refuse these initial offers and should do so until you have spoken with a lawyer. Early settlement offers are often lower than what you might be entitled to receive and may not fully cover all your expenses and losses.
Right To Fair Compensation
You have the right to fair compensation, which covers not only immediate medical expenses but also long-term care costs, lost earning potential, and damages for pain and suffering. Calculating the full impact of the accident is complex and something that legal professionals can assist with to ensure all factors are considered.
Contact A Lawyer Today
A motorcycle crash demands plenty of attention from a legal team you can trust. If you’re ready to exercise your rights, get in touch with a lawyer today to get started.