If you suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident in San Jose or the surrounding Bay Area, you may not know what to do. In the days and weeks following the crash, you may find yourself dealing with serious injuries and medical expenses. Even worse, during this time, insurance companies may start pressuring you to accept a settlement offer. During this time, it is important to know what to do after a motorcycle accident to protect your rights and your future.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in the Bay Area
Below, our San Jose motorcycle accident attorneys outline what to do after a motorcycle crash:
#1: Stay Calm
The first step you should take after a motorcycle accident is try to stay calm. There is a lot going on right after a crash. Stay calm and focus on your health and your recovery first and foremost. Before doing anything else, check yourself for apparent injuries. If you are injured, call 9-1-1.
#2: Gather Evidence
Any evidence that proves fault will be useful to you and your claim. This can include pictures or videos of the accident scene, your injuries and damage to your bike. Also, make sure to preserve any evidence, including your clothing, shoes, motorcycle helmet and bike, as well as any GoPro or other video evidence you may have of the collision.
#3: Seek Medical Attention
If you were not checked at the accident scene, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you believe you are uninjured, you should consider seeing a medical professional for a complete examination. Injuries can remain dormant and get worse in the hours and days after a crash, so do not delay. Keep copies of your medical records.
#4: Request a Copy of the Police Report
The police are often called to motorcycle accident scenes because there are usually serious injuries involved. It is important to obtain a copy of this report, so you can check it for any factual mistakes or errors. This report may be a strong piece of evidence for your potential claim.
#5: Call Your Insurance Company
Insurance companies often require their policyholders to notify them about any accidents. As such, you may need to call your insurance company to report the crash. Be careful what you say, even to your own insurer. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating on the causes of the accident.
#6: Do Not Give Recorded Statements
The “at fault” driver’s insurance company may want you to give it a recorded statement. The company’s representative may say he or she just “wants to talk” and get your side of the story. Do not talk with them without first consulting with an experienced attorney.
#7: Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney
An attorney who handles motorcycle accident cases can answer any questions you may have about your legal rights following a motorcycle accident in the Bay Area. He or she can help you understand your best legal options. If you have a viable claim, your attorney can begin building your case, investigating the accident, and gathering evidence on your behalf. He or she can deal with insurers and protect your rights to compensation throughout the process.
Injured in a San Jose Motorcycle Accident?
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in San Jose, California, you need a motorcycle accident attorney who can protect your future. The San Jose motorcycle accident attorneys at Needham Kepner & Fish LLP have years of experience helping injured motorcyclists get the compensation they deserve after a serious motorcycle crash. Schedule a free consultation with us online or call us at (408) 716-1668.