The First Steps
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, there are several important steps you should take in the aftermath to protect your rights and your chances of obtaining maximum compensation through a personal injury claim. First, call the police. Then, call our Connecticut motorcycle accident attorneys.
We encourage you to contact Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP and speak with an understanding and highly experienced personal injury attorney from our office in Ridgefield. We may be able to help you obtain the compensation that you deserve following a motorcycle accident.
Documenting the Motorcycle Accident
Before you leave the scene of your motorcycle accident, try to collect as much evidence and information as you can. For example, you should:
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Take photographs – Be sure to include pictures of the damage to the motorcycle, your injuries (if they are visible), the road conditions, hazards, and any other environmental factors that might have contributed to the accident. Take photos from as many different angles as possible.
- Gather contact information – Get the names and phone numbers of any eyewitnesses at the scene of the accident. It is best to document their account of the event as soon as possible, while their memories are still vivid. Also, take down the names, license plate numbers, driver's license numbers, and phone numbers of all other drivers involved in the motorcycle accident.
- Get a copy of the police report – Ask for a copy of the police report once it has been completed.
- Record your injuries – Obtain a report from the medical professional who examined you at the scene of the accident, as well as written documentation from all doctor/hospital visits thereafter. It can also be helpful to keep a journal of the various physical problems you are experiencing after the accident, such as localized pain, inability to sleep regularly, etc.
The more evidence you collect – and the more thoroughly you document every detail you remember about the motorcycle accident – the stronger your case will be.
What Not to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
In the wake of an accident, taking certain actions can potentially put your injury claim at risk.
These are some of the major actions to avoid after getting into a motorcycle accident:
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Do not speak with the other party's insurance company – In fact, don't discuss the details of the accident with anyone other than the police.
- Do not accept the first settlement offer – The amount of money that an insurance company initially offers you will almost always be far less than you are actually entitled to for your injuries. Before you accept any kind of settlement, find out what your case is truly worth by discussing it with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.
If you or one of your loved ones has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident anywhere in Connecticut, please contact Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP to schedule a free case evaluation. We can help you fight for the full amount of compensation you deserve.
Call us at (203) 438-7450 today to speak to one of our dedicated attorneys.