After a motorcycle crash in Georgia, there are specific steps you can take to protect your rights. Knowing what to do can mean the difference between getting the money you need to pay your medical bills and rebuild your life or getting little to nothing for the harm you’ve suffered. Motorcycle accidents are some of the most severe and devastating traffic-related crashes that can occur. Because motorcyclists have little to protect them in the event of a collision, they’re at significant risk of suffering severe, catastrophic, or fatal injury if they are hit by another motorist, if a defective part fails at the wrong time, or if the road is not properly maintained.
You should take immediate action following a motorcycle accident. Whether you suffer a minor or life-threatening injury, you deserve the opportunity to pursue the money you’re owed from the at-fault party’s insurance provider. You should not be forced to pay out of pocket for your medical treatment and other expenses if your actions didn’t contribute to the crash. If you follow the necessary steps, you could hold the negligent party liable for your injuries and recover the compensation you’re entitled to receive.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
No matter what the circumstances of the accident are, it’s critical to begin the legal process right away. Below are the four most important things you should do if you sustain an injury in a motorcycle accident in Georgia due to someone else’s negligence.
Seek Treatment
Once you leave the accident scene, go to a nearby hospital or promptly schedule an appointment with your doctor. If you see your primary care physician for an initial evaluation, be sure it’s within a couple of days from the date of the crash. If you wait too long before your first appointment, the insurance company could presume your injuries aren’t serious and offer a low settlement.
The medical provider you visit should conduct a thorough examination to determine your diagnosis. They might recommend follow-up care, such as taking prescriptions, attending physical therapy, or entering an in-patient rehabilitation facility. It’s crucial to seek the prescribed treatments and follow through with all care plans according to your doctor’s orders.
Skipping appointments or allowing too much time to pass in between can indicate a minor or non-existing injury. It gives the insurance company a valid reason to deny your claim or offer a much lower settlement amount.
Maintain Records
While you’re treating your injury, keep a copy of every record and piece of documentation you receive. Medical evidence is vital in motorcycle accident cases. You’ll need proof of your injury to show you’re entitled to financial compensation. You should maintain all documentation associated with your claim, such as:
- Physician’s notes, occupational therapy records, surgical reports, imaging test results, and other medical records indicating the type of treatment you need
- Written statements from your healthcare professionals
- Medical bills, invoices, receipts, and other documents showing the expenses you incurred from the crash
- Repair estimates for the damage to your motorcycle
- Out of pocket expenses you were forced to pay due to the injury, such as the cost to make your home wheelchair accessible
- Letters from the insurance company
You can forward the documents you receive to your Georgia motorcycle accident attorney. They can review all documents and determine which records can be used as evidence in your case.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Seeking legal representation is just as essential as treating your injuries after a motorcycle accident. Without a motorcycle accident lawyer to represent you in your case, you will likely receive a lowball settlement offer or have your claim denied. Most people don’t know how to handle insurance claims on their own. Most people may not understand the tactics insurance companies use to prevent large settlement payouts either. If you attempt to pursue your case alone, you could encounter an obstacle you don’t know how to overcome or make a mistake that leads to a negative outcome.
Once you retain an attorney’s legal services, they can take on the responsibility of your claim. Instead of navigating the complex legal aspects of your case in addition to handling your treatment, you can take the time to focus on fully recovering. Your lawyer can review the available insurance coverage, file your claim, and gather the necessary evidence to prove what happened.
Your only job during this time should be attending your doctor’s appointments and recovering from your injuries. Taking on an insurance claim alone can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know state laws or understand the procedure. Your legal team can negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company on your behalf or proceed with filing a lawsuit if necessary.
Avoid Social Media
Being proactive about seeking treatment and hiring a lawyer are necessary steps after being injured in an accident. However, one major step after an accident involves something you shouldn’t do during your ongoing case.
As much as you might rely on social media to keep in contact with family and discuss significant events in your life, it’s better to avoid using your accounts until you resolve your claim. You might not know this, but insurance companies and defense attorneys comb through the accident victim’s social media for evidence to use against them.
A seemingly innocent post of yourself out to dinner with friends can be the evidence the opposing party needs to prove your injury isn’t real. A defense attorney could argue you wouldn’t want to socialize if you were injured and in pain. A jury might agree and rule in the at-fault party’s favor.
Your online activity can also play a significant role in whether you secure the compensation you need to treat your injury. It can be tiresome when you’re stuck at home with a broken leg or concussion. You might decide to scroll through your social media accounts to pass the time, liking and commenting on posts. The insurance company could see that and assume you’re not taking your injury seriously or focusing more on maintaining your online presence than trying to recover.
How Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC Could Help
At Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, we represent Georgia accident victims and fight for the justice they deserve. We will aggressively pursue the maximum compensation for your claim when you hire us. You can count on our legal team to be your advocate and provide the support you need during this challenging time in your life.
Do not hesitate to contact Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, if you were injured in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligent actions. Call us at 404-418-8244 or contact us online today for your free case evaluation with a trusted and dedicated motorcycle accident lawyer in Georgia.
