3 Major Mistakes To Avoid After A Motorcycle Accident

20 April 2015 by Jonathan Phillips

If you ride a motorcycle, you're already aware of the risks associated with doing so. However, simply being aware of the risks isn't enough; you should also familiarize yourself with what you should do and what you shouldn't do after being involved in a motorcycle accident. Of course, your personal well-being should be your first priority, but there are also some specific mistakes you'll want to avoid following a motorcycle accident.

Speaking With Anybody But the Police

After your accident, it might be tempting to want to speak with the other parties involved. If you believe the accident was their fault, then of course you'd like to get an admission of guilt. However, aside from the basic courtesy of making sure everybody else involved in the accident is okay, you really shouldn't speak with anybody but the police or other first responders immediately after your accident; they'll be able to record the facts of the case and, depending on where you live, may even be able to assign fault in the police report itself.

Delaying or Refusing Medical Attention

Another mistake to avoid after a motorcycle accident is delaying or refusing medical attention. Even if you don't think you're injured or if you think your injuries are minor enough that you can handle them yourself, it's still in your best interest to seek prompt medical attention. By doing so, you'll have documentation that you saw a doctor, which will come in handy for your insurance claim later on. Furthermore, in the event that you have internal trauma, you can receive the prompt treatment that you need.

Accepting Just Any Settlement

Finally, if it does turn out that the accident is ruled the other party's fault, his or her insurance company is going to make you an offer for a settlement. More than likely, they'll try to get you to agree and sign the paperwork right away. However, you shouldn't ever accept the first offer made by an insurance company. Instead, working with a dedicated and experienced motorcycle accident attorney like the Hinkle Law Offices can help to ensure you get the compensation you deserve not only for your property damage and medical bills, but for lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

These are just a few of the most common and costly mistakes you could make after a motorcycle accident. By avoiding these, however, you'll be in much better shape in the event that you're ever involved in a motorcycle accident at any point down the road.

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