Every day, approximately 19,900 accidents are reported across America. A good fraction of these incidents result in injuries that require the victim to seek medical attention and can range from minor bruises to life-threatening injuries, with around 100 people dying every day.
Victims of motor vehicle accidents have a right to compensation. However, your compensation will largely depend on what you do from the day you suffer an accident to the day you settle your case. Here are some critical things to do after a motorcycle accident.
Stay at the Scene
Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime that could see you face criminal penalties. Also, the law may presume you are liable for the accidents.
So, while you could remove the vehicle from the road, if it is in a movable state, hang around until the police arrive. This includes cases where you have suffered minor damages to your vehicle.
Seek Medical Attention
A personal injury case has no standing if the victim does not suffer any compensable damages; injuries in an accident are a critical part of that.
So, besides seeking medical attention to get out of danger, you will also need to seek medical attention to create documentation necessary to prove your injuries. The earlier you can get help, the better. So, call 911 to have paramedics come to the scene.
Call the Police
Ohio law requires reporting any accident resulting in injuries or property damage worth over $1,000 within five days of the accident. The best rule of thumb is reporting all accidents because there are cases where injuries may not be apparent at the time, and your police report can help link your injuries to an accident should your injuries show days later. Also, the police will document the scene and create a report that serves as a critical piece of evidence for determining fault.
Gather Evidence
Your case will stand or fall on evidence, so you need as much of it as you can gather. Start with personal documentation by taking pictures and recording video footage of the scene. Then, contact Toledo car accident lawyer Charles Boyk. The best time to do your documentation is before you move the vehicles out of the road.
If you can’t have somebody to help you with it, If there were witnesses to the accident, talk to them and gather their testimonies. Other evidence to gather and keep safely includes all medical and receipts, employment records, personal journals, and expert witness reports.
Contact Your Insurer
Most car insurance policies have a clause requiring policyholders to notify their insurer if they are involved in an accident, even when they are not liable.
Your insurer may also require you to provide a copy of the accident report, other details, and documents. If you are unsure about the requirements, contact them for clarification to avoid mistakes that could void your coverage.
Getting a Lawyer
Statistics show that the chances of recovering fair compensation improve by up to five times for claimants who involve lawyers in their cases, so get one even when it’s not a legal requirement.
You need to look out for several things when picking a lawyer. First, look at their experiences with car accident claims and their record of success. Secondly, pay attention to their geographical region of practice. For example, if you are in a Toledo car accident, it is best to work with a Toledo car accident lawyer for two reasons. They will have a deep insight into local law and be easily accessible.
Conclusion
After a motorcycle accident, taking the right steps is essential for securing fair compensation. Remain at the scene, seek medical attention, report the incident, and gather evidence to strengthen your claim. Contact your insurer promptly and consider hiring an experienced car accident lawyer to improve your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.
