What Are Common Mistakes Motorcyclists Make After an Accident?
Motorcyclists involved in an accident often make mistakes by waiting too long to seek medical care, assuming the insurance company will treat them fairly, or failing to understand all their losses. Mistakes can also include admitting fault or trying to handle the case on their own. Working with a motorcycle accident attorney in Chicago can help you avoid these common pitfalls and protect your right to fair compensation.
Take a look at the following examples of common mistakes made by motorcycle riders after their accident and how you can avoid these claims.
Not Calling the Police and Getting Medical Care
Right after your accident, the most important step you can take after getting out of the way of additional injury is to call 911. The police will document the scene, capturing all available evidence to demonstrate your injuries and losses. You want medical teams to provide you with immediate support as well.
Going to the emergency room or urgent care right after the accident is also critical. This ensures you get care for any injuries, including those that may not be obvious right away. It also creates documentation that links your injuries to the accident.
Not Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
After you receive care, make it a priority to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer. It is very common for motorcycle riders to face constant struggles in receiving fair compensation because they are unfairly accused of being at fault. The sooner you bring an attorney into the picture, the better. Your Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer will gather all evidence to build your case and begin fighting for you right away. That way, you can focus on your recovery.
Waiting Too Long to Take Action
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for most injuries, including those from motorcycle accidents, is 2 years from the date of the accident or injury. The problem with motorcycle accidents is that the recovery process is typically very long. You should not file a claim too quickly without knowing what all of your losses are.
However, if you wait too long, you miss the required two-year window. That means the court will not hear your case, and you will be unable to recover damages.
Admitting Fault
Even as the victim, you may find it hard to prove that you were not at fault in the motorcycle accident. This happens for many reasons, including the simple fact that insurance companies want you to shoulder the financial loss. If you tell the police officer that you are okay or that you did not see the other person, you could be at fault.
This can also happen later when speaking to the insurance company about your case. If you tell them that you were not paying attention or that you did not sustain serious injuries, that can be used against you. You may not be able to recover damages.
Not Getting Follow-Up and Ongoing Care
Your injuries are due to the negligence of others. Get the medical care you need. Follow your doctor’s orders and make sure you do not go back to work until you are medically cleared. These steps help protect your right to fair compensation later.
Seek Legal Guidance From a Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
The sooner you take action, the easier it is for your personal injury lawyer to build a case and claim for you. With so much on the line, you deserve a team to fight for you. Contact a motorcycle accident attorney in Chicago today at (312) 586-1700 for a free consultation and let an experienced legal team fight for your rights.