When you are hurt in a Philadelphia motorcycle accident, acting fast is critical to preserving your life and getting the medical care you need. There are numerous factors to think about, though, throughout this process following the accident. That includes getting full help for your needs, documenting all of your losses, and keeping track of the implications to your life.
Victims of a motorcycle accident in Philadelphia may be able to seek compensation from the at-fault party for the losses they have. That may include recovering damages from far more than you realize. Your Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorney will help you with this process.
What to Do at the Time of the Accident
A good starting point is at the time of the accident and knowing what to do to get help:
- Call 911 and wait for medical assistance, even if you think you are okay. Make sure to move yourself out of the way of further injury if there is a risk.
- Tell the police responding to the accident the facts about the incident, including what occurred and what you were doing. Avoid speculating about anything you could have done differently.
- Get any details of the accident you can at the scene. That includes photos and video of your injury, the accident debris, the location, the other parties involved, and any other details. Record yourself discussing what occurred, if possible, while the information is fresh in your mind.
- Get the contact information from the other driver, including their insurance information.
- Get to the hospital for a full checkup. Some injuries are not obvious but can be life-threatening if not treated within a few hours.
Taking these steps right after a Philadelphia motorcycle accident helps ensure you get the care you need right away while also putting some focus on documenting your losses.
What to Do In the Days That Follow
Depending on the severity of your accident, you may be spending a good amount of time in the hospital or out of work while you heal. There are numerous steps you can take now to help protect your right to full compensation in your case. Consider the following guidelines:
- Focus on your recovery and follow all medical guidelines. Go to your follow-up appointments, rehab appointments, counseling sessions, and any other recommended care. That helps show you are doing everything you can to heal.
- Create a simple log, either on your phone or in a journal, where you document what you did each day as it relates to your accident. That includes missed work hours, activities you could not do, doctor’s appointments, and expenses related to medical costs.
- Stay off social media. Avoid putting any type of update on social media about your condition or details of your accident. Do not comment on other posts about your goals, activities, or how you feel. That could be used against you later.
- Maintain records of your doctor’s appointments as well as documentation of your diagnosis and treatment plans.
- Contact your attorney and start working on building your case now. As you go through the recovery process, it will be critical to include your attorney as soon as possible.
Over the coming weeks, maintain your log and be sure to go to all of your medical appointments. Keep a log of how you feel and your mental health as well.
Handling the Insurance Company After a Motorcycle Accident
There is often confusion about what to do about the insurance company after a motorcycle accident. The first factor to consider is when to contact them. Right after your accident, once you are in a safe place and have the ability to do so, contact your insurance company as well as the other driver’s policy. Your objective here is simply to notify them that the accident occurred. You are not providing a claim at this point.
Then, work with your motorcycle accident attorney in Philadelphia to build your case. Your attorney will document the losses you have and obtain the necessary evidence for your claim. They will then handle the entire conversation with the insurance company for you. That includes filing your claim, negotiating the compensation for you, and going to trial when it is necessary to do so.
Getting the Legal Guidance You Need in a Motorcycle Accident Case
Victims of a motorcycle accident in Philadelphia need to be aggressive in seeking legal support. At any point in this process, what you say, do, or express may be used against you to minimize the compensation claims you are paid. Your attorney protects your rights.
Contact Kwartler Manus now to discuss your case with a free consultation. Find out what legal strategies may be best suited for your situation once you speak to our legal team.