Severe injuries from motorcycle accidents frequently include burns, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, and disfigurement. Moreover, Colorado requires only age-specific helmets, which can further exacerbate any injuries sustained.
Furthermore, jurors may have a bias against motorcyclists, which can reduce the amount of financial compensation awarded. A lawyer can effectively convey the severity of your severe injuries and fight to get you the total compensation.
Report the Accident to the Authorities
One of the first steps after being involved in a motorcycle accident should be reporting it. If asked by police officers or insurance representatives to do so, cooperate fully while not making statements that could be seen as admitting fault.
If your physical injuries don’t become evident immediately following the crash, make sure that you obtain all available contact details including police officer names and badge numbers as well as those of any witnesses. Also try and get their names, badge numbers and any possible witness contact information from authorities involved in responding to your incident. . It is also essential to note the time and any other significant details. This information will be used in drafting a police accident report. This document can prove crucial to any future legal action.
Exchange Information with the Other Drivers
Before leaving the scene of an accident, make sure you obtain all of the names and insurance information of any drivers involved – this information may be necessary in filing a personal injury claim.
Be sure to get each driver’s full name and confirm that it is the same as their insurance policy name. It seems obvious, but it is surprisingly easy to misspell someone’s name or misplace an insurance card.
Also, if there are any eyewitnesses, obtain their contact information. Once the crash has taken place, witnesses could provide statements to assist your claim. Furthermore, if the at-fault driver was driving a vehicle with defective parts or hazardous road conditions that led to your crash, you may be entitled to file product liability or negligence claims against both them and their manufacturer.
Make a Statement to the Police
Depending on the circumstances of your crash, you may be asked to give a written or, in some cases, video-recorded statement. The police will want to determine what happened to prepare a detailed report for the accident investigation.
Remember to answer any questions truthfully and do not say anything that might suggest you were at fault for the motorcycle accident. If you remember something days later, let the police know it could be substantial evidence in your case.
Many motorcyclists think they won’t be able to receive compensation if they are found partially at fault. However, Colorado is a modified comparative negligence state, and your Denver motorcycle accident lawyers can devise a legal strategy to maximize your financial recovery.
Seek Medical Attention
Get medical help as quickly as possible. Ideally, visit an emergency room; otherwise visit either an urgent care clinic or primary care physician and get examined thoroughly to identify injuries and make a plan for recovery.
If you avoid seeking medical care following an accident, complications could arise that hinder recovery. Adrenaline could mask symptoms until later when they manifest as concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). You must also follow your doctor’s care plan to minimize gaps in treatment. It will help you build a solid personal injury claim.
Contact an Attorney
Exchanging information with all involved drivers, including names, addresses and insurance policy numbers is essential in any accident claim. Furthermore, speaking to any witnesses who can provide testimony that supports your claim may also prove invaluable.
Your motorcycle accident lawyer will help you file a lawsuit within the state’s statute of limitations. They can prepare you for arguments from the insurance company and help you receive the maximum financial compensation for your injuries.
When choosing an attorney, ask for recommendations from family and friends who have been in a motorcycle crash. Then, interview several attorneys and assess how comfortable you feel during the consultations. You want an attorney who listens to you and makes you feel necessary.
