The Dos & Don’ts of Handling the Aftermath of a Motorcycle Accident

The outcome of your motorcycle accident claim is going to hinge on more than a dozen variables, many of which are out of your control. One of the most significant factors, however, is up to you: How you handle the aftermath of the crash.

You can be sure the steps you take at the scene and in the days and weeks that follow will have a major impact on the course of the proceedings. If you don’t know where to start, these “dos and don’ts” will help:

Do Preserve Evidence from the Scene

If you managed to compile anything from the scene of the crash that might contribute to your claim, make copies to ensure redundancy, and then store the items in question in a safe place. Evidence from the scene worth preserving includes helmet cam footage, photographs of the wreckage, and statements from eyewitnesses.

While a resourceful personal injury attorney can conduct a thorough investigation to gather lots of compelling evidence to assign blame, preserving anything you already have will support their efforts.

Don’t Give a Recorded Statement

The insurance adjuster will probably ask you to give a statement fairly soon after the crash. Unfortunately, if you say anything that ends up being inaccurate or untrue, it will give them a reason to challenge your credibility, thereby jeopardizing the validity of your claim.

Since there’s no way to be sure what happened in the moments leading up to the crash until the investigation is complete, it’s best to refrain from discussing fault at all. The same goes for damages; you can’t be certain of their extent until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement.

Do Follow Your Doctor’s Orders

Personal injury claimants are expected to take reasonable measures to mitigate the losses they incur. That means visiting a doctor as soon as possible after the accident and then following all medical advice diligently once you do.

It may be hard to follow your doctor’s orders at times—if you’re instructed to stay home from work, for example, you may stress about the missed paychecks—but it will be worth it in the end. Protect your health and your claim by listening to your providers.

Don’t Turn to Social Media

Insurance adjusters are always looking for reasons to deny or at least devalue the cases they review, and they often find them on social media. Since anything you post about the accident, your injuries, or your social life could be misconstrued and used against you, it’s best to lay low online as long as your claim is pending.

Call 561-299-3999 to Discuss Your Case with a West Palm Beach Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you were seriously hurt in a motorcycle crash and you want to hold the at-fault party accountable, turn to Donaldson & Weston. Our compassionate team is proud to help accident victims recover what is rightfully theirs. Call 561-299-3999 or submit our Online Contact Form to set up a free initial consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer in West Palm Beach.