Knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident ensures you get the medical care you need and know how to protect your right to compensation.
- Some steps you should consider include:
- Seeking immediate medical treatment
- Hiring a motorcycle accident attorney
- Following the guidance of your attorney and medical providers
This should make matters considerably less complicated in the aftermath of your collision—you’ll be able to focus on recovery. Hiring a Virginia motorcycle accident lawyer is a step every rider should take after a collision. Substantial compensation could be at stake, and the fog that can follow a serious collision could make it difficult for you to represent yourself effectively. Don’t hesitate to accept help—you deserve it.
Know What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Virginia
The steps you take after a motorcycle accident can affect whether you are able to recover the compensation you need. While you are likely overwhelmed, scared, and hurt, try to remember to do the following (or have someone else handle these steps for you):
- Call 9-1-1. The dispatcher can send law enforcement and paramedics to the scene. This ensures there is a record of the accident and allows you to get the care you need. It also ties your injuries to the accident.
- Take photos of the scene if you are able.
- Exchange insurance and contact information with the other party.
- Avoid discussing fault at the scene. Do not apologize for the accident.
- Continue your medical care.
- Avoid speaking in depth with the insurance adjuster when they call. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
- Keep all receipts related to the accident.
- Run any offers you receive by us. Our team can determine whether a settlement offer covers all your expenses. If not, our lawyers can negotiate.
- Get help from a Virginia personal injury lawyer from our firm.
Injured Riders Should Also Know What Not to Do After the Motorcycle Accident
Seeking medical attention, documenting your injuries, and hiring a lawyer can be beneficial steps to take after a motorcycle accident. In addition to taking these actions, it’s important to know what not to do after the collision.
Some mistakes that could jeopardize your case, your health, and your quality of life as an injured rider include:
Waiting to Report Your Accident, Get Medical Care, or Contact an Attorney
There can be significant repercussions if you wait to:
- Report your accident to your insurance provider—you should do this right away to document the collision.
- Get medical attention for accident-related injuries—this may expose you to allegations that you’re fabricating or exaggerating injuries.
- Hire your attorney—your attorney needs time to gather evidence and build a strong case.
We know you’re probably in pain and facing countless other challenges. Get these steps out of the way so you can focus on recovery without concern for your case.
Thinking Insurance Companies Always Act Fairly
While you should report your motorcycle accident to your insurance provider right away, be cautious whenever you speak with insurance representatives. Insurance companies sometimes try to save money by engaging in the following tactics:
- Denying your claim without justifiable grounds (or even a thorough explanation)
- Asking loaded or leading questions meant to confuse you (which may lead you to make a costly mistake)
- Offering lowball settlements, which are often tempting while you are facing financial uncertainty
- Using AI to mass reject claims without adequate review
Hiring a Virginia motorcycle accident lawyer is one common way that riders insulate themselves from insurers’ bad-faith tactics. The insurance claims process does not always conclude in a fair manner—a lawyer will work to make sure it does in your case.
Allowing Your Health to Come Second to Any Other Priority (Including Your Case)
Your health and recovery should come above all else. Hiring an attorney will allow you to focus entirely on your recovery.
Understand What a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Do for You
Motorcycle accident attorneys can be a priceless resource for injured riders and their loved ones. Our attorneys’ comprehensive approach allows our clients to rest and be with loved ones.
We will handle all case responsibilities for you, which will likely include:
- Securing evidence from the motorcycle crash straight away: Most people don’t know what evidence to obtain, which could leave you without a key piece of the puzzle when determining liability. We will collect any witness statements, videos, police reports, and other evidence relevant to your case.
- Proving who caused the accident and who should pay for it: You should be focusing on your recovery, not on learning the principles of liability and how to establish them. We will establish both fault and liability by relying on facts, evidence, and your account of the collision. We may even hire one or more experts to bolster our case for who caused—and who should pay for—the accident.
- Documenting your economic and non-economic damages: Without legal experience, you risk excluding damages and leaving thousands of dollars on the table. Our lawyers frequently speak with clients’ doctors, obtain medical records, pull financial statements, and hire experts to show how motorcycle accidents have harmed our clients.
- Fighting for your fair financial recovery (a definition unique to each client): While some people know they have the right to negotiate with the insurer, most don’t know how to do so effectively. We do. We exercise all available strategies to secure fair financial recoveries for our clients. We will not be satisfied unless you receive full and fair compensation.
Your lawyer will also protect your rights and fight for your best interests at every turn your case follows. Having such a dedicated advocate may benefit not only your case, but also your physical and mental health in several ways.
What Compensation Will My Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Recover for Me?
Your motorcycle accident attorney will fight for every damage and every dollar you deserve. This may include:
- Medical expenses
- “Pain and suffering” and inconvenience
- Any accident-related mental health services
- Professional harm (often including lost income and diminished earning capacity)
Attorneys also consider the unique challenges their clients may face after a motorcycle collision, which may include:
- Severe instances of pain and suffering
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
If you lost a loved one, a Virginia wrongful death lawyer from our firm would be honored to help in your time of need.
Call the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, Today for Your FREE Claim Review About How a Virginia Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help You
The first thing you should do after a motorcycle accident is get medical care. The second thing you should do is call the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, today for your FREE claim review about letting a Virginia motorcycle accident lawyer fight for the compensation you deserve.
Do not wait to call, as the deadline set forth in Va. Code § 8.01-243 for filing personal injury lawsuits is one of many reasons for urgency.
Attorney Jim Parrish has a background representing insurance companies. Now, he uses that experience to advocate for those seeking money from insurance companies. Get started with our team today.
Call or Text 571-229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form