When to Hire a Michigan Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Any kind of accident is unsettling, but when you’ve been involved in a motorcycle crash, your nerves are probably even more rattled. Due to the fact that motorcyclists lack the protection of a vehicle, injuries sustained in a collision are often greater.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already been to the hospital to assess your condition. In the flurry of activity following your accident, you’re likely unsure how to move forward. Who pays your medical bills? What are your rights and compensation options? How do you recover lost property, wages, and other damages? The answer to many of your questions is simpler than you think – you need to hire an experienced Michigan motorcycle accident attorney.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Seek medical attention. Your first priority after an accident is to take care of yourself. Some of the most common motorcycle accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Lower extremity trauma
Because the severity of an injury often takes time to reveal itself, we recommend getting checked out immediately by a medical provider following your accident. If emergency medical personnel respond to your collision, they will make an initial assessment and recommendation for possible transport to a local hospital and further testing.
Obtain information. Since many motorcycle collisions involve two vehicles, it’s important to get the other driver’s information, including their contact information and insurance information. If you are seriously injured and police officers are called to the scene, they will assist in collecting all the necessary details. The following is further information you might find helpful regarding motorcycle accidents and insurance:
- Michigan Motorcycle Insurance Requirements
- Motorcycle Accident and PIP Benefits
- Motorcycle Accidents and Insurer Priority
- Coordination of Benefits
Contact your insurance provider. You are responsible for letting your insurance agent know about your accident. While you need to do this in a timely manner after the incident, we caution motorcyclists to first have their injuries assessed and motorcycle inspected. Doing so helps you understand the severity of damages to you and your property and avoid underestimating the compensation you are entitled to.
Don’t admit fault. Admitting fault or denying any injury at the time of the accident can potentially lead to complications and possible denial of your insurance claim. It is best to limit communication with other parties until you are fully assessed medically and your motorcycle has been inspected. While you should never lie to law enforcement or your insurance company, you should seek the legal counsel of an attorney first.
Get legal help. Motorcycle accidents and the unfolding aftermath can be a complicated process. While you have your own health and wellbeing to focus on, as well as possible loss of income due to injuries and damages to your motorcycle, the incident can easily become overwhelming. Speaking with an experienced attorney helps ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Michigan and are unsure of your next step, please contact our attorneys. We will review your claim, at no cost to you, to determine if we can help.