4 Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Motorcycle Accident

The damages that result from a motorcycle accident can add up fast. Fortunately, riders who get hurt through no fault of their own are usually entitled to compensation. In order to pursue a payout, though, they must put together a strong claim. They must also avoid making critical missteps along the way.

Below, you can learn about some of the most common mistakes that motorcycle accident victims make in the aftermath:

1. Postponing Treatment

From brain damage to internal bleeding, there are a number of impact injuries that may not manifest symptoms for days or even weeks. As such, it’s essential to visit a health care provider right away, even if you were able to walk away from the scene.

Seeking care immediately will ensure you receive treatment for any and all injuries, including those that aren’t yet apparent. And when the time comes to pursue compensation from the liable party, it will also show that you took reasonable measures to mitigate damages.

2. Overlooking Noneconomic Damages

Florida allows for the recovery of noneconomic damages like emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment in life. One of the easiest ways to demonstrate these kinds of damages is with detailed journal entries. Therefore, you should start a personal injury journal as soon as possible. Use it to record the ways in which your condition is hindering your quality of life.

3. Giving a Recorded Statement

Fairly soon after the accident, the insurance adjuster will probably request a recorded statement. In fact, he or she might state that the carrier won’t process your claim without one.

Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid giving a recorded statement before you’ve conducted a thorough investigation and confirmed the total extent of the damages. Otherwise, you might say something that’s not entirely accurate, thereby giving the opposing party reason to challenge your credibility.

4. Remaining Active on Social Media

According to Verdict7, the insurance adjuster will probably try to monitor your online activity in the hopes of finding cause to dispute your claim. As such, it’s advisable to disable your various social media accounts until everything has been resolved. If doing so is not viable, you can reduce the risk of hurting your claim by taking the following steps:

Adjust your settings so just connections whom you approve can see what you post;
Deny new requests from people you don’t actually know;
Avoid posting about your injuries, the claim, or your expenditures;
Do not “check in” to public places; and
Ask friends to avoid including you in their own posts.

Call 772-266-5555 to Speak with a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Stuart

If you were struck by a reckless driver while riding your motorcycle, contact Donaldson & Weston to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Our firm’s consistently superior results demonstrate our commitment to injured parties and their loved ones. Call 772-266-5555 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney in Stuart.