Riding a motorcycle can be one of the most thrilling and exciting experiences for anyone who loves adventure and a sense of freedom. However, Maryville can be a challenging place to ride as many drivers do not pay attention to motorcyclists on the road.
Our firm understands that motorcyclists often bear the brunt of the blame for causing accidents, even when they are not at fault. This can make it difficult for riders to seek compensation to cover their expenses after an accident. However, wronged riders deserve justice like any other person using the road. In a lawsuit, there is no room for stereotypes. We will gather the evidence that shows how the other driver caused your injuries and why you deserve to be compensated fully.
Call Howe Law today at (844) 876-4357 to receive a free case assessment with our Knoxville motorcycle accident attorneys.
Steps to Follow After Being Injured in a Maryville, TN Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents can be a harrowing experience, often leading to severe physical injuries and emotional trauma. Besides the immediate medical concerns, victims often find themselves facing legal and insurance issues that can be overwhelming. Fortunately, following the steps below after being injured in a motorcycle accident in Maryville can help protect your rights and improve your chances of securing the compensation you are owed:
Call 911
The first step that you should take immediately after an accident is to call the police. Even if the accident seems minor, it is crucial to get a formal police report as it serves as an official record of the incident. This document contains important details such as the names and contact information of all parties involved, the exact location and time of the accident, and any eyewitness accounts of what happened.
All of this information can prove invaluable when pursuing a personal injury claim or dealing with insurance companies. Having a police report as a record of the incident can help establish fault, determine the extent of damages, and provide evidence to support your claim.
Get Information from the Other Drivers
Next, gather all the necessary information from the other drivers involved. This includes their full names, phone numbers, email addresses, and physical addresses. You should also ask for their driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information, including the name of their insurance company and the policy number.
In addition, it is helpful to note down the make, model, and color of the other vehicles involved, as well as their license plate numbers. This information will be useful for future reference and for building your case should you need to locate these individuals in the future.
Collect Information from Witnesses
Another important source of information is the witnesses who were present at the scene. Witnesses can provide an unbiased account of what happened, which can be immensely helpful in determining who was at fault. When gathering information from witnesses, be sure to get their contact information, including their name, phone number, and email address, if possible. This will allow our team to follow up with them later if needed.
Additionally, if you have a pen and paper or a note-taking app on your phone, it is a good idea to jot down a brief description of what they saw. Remember, the information provided by witnesses can play a critical role in determining fault since they are not typically connected to any party in the case.
Take Photographs of the Scene
After you have ensured your safety and if your injuries allow, gather as much evidence as possible while still on the scene of the accident. One of the most powerful types of evidence is photographs. Taking photos of the accident scene from different angles can provide valuable information about what happened and will help our team build a stronger case on your behalf.
When taking photos, try to capture all relevant details, including the position of the vehicles involved, any skid marks on the road, and the condition of the road surface. You should also take photos of any traffic signs or signals that might have played a role in the accident. If you or anyone else involved in the accident suffered visible injuries, be sure to document those as well.
In addition to providing valuable evidence, taking photos can also help you remember important details about the accident that you might otherwise forget. Be sure to take photos as soon as possible after the accident before anything is moved or cleared away. And if you are not able to take photos yourself, ask someone else to do it for you. In most cases, emergency medical personnel will help take photos if you ask.
Get Medical Care
The next vital step is to get medical attention immediately. Many injuries might not manifest symptoms right away, and it is essential to have a medical professional examine you to ensure that you have not suffered any hidden injuries.
A thorough medical examination can help identify any injuries that might not be immediately apparent. This is especially important as some injuries can worsen over time without proper medical attention. Seeking medical attention immediately after an accident can prevent complications and ensure you receive the necessary treatment.
Moreover, having medical records can serve as concrete evidence of the injuries sustained from the accident. This documentation is necessary when making an insurance claim or seeking legal compensation for any damages caused by the accident. Without it, you will not be able to prove that this accident was the cause of your current losses.
Follow Your Treatment Plans
It is also important to strictly adhere to the treatment plans recommended by your healthcare provider, especially when you are pursuing a claim for a motorcycle accident. Following the prescribed plans can significantly impact your recovery process and the outcome of your claim.
If you fail to follow these plans, it could be used against you by insurance companies, which might argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim them to be. Thus, it is essential to take your treatment plan seriously, attend all your medical appointments, take your medication as prescribed, and follow the recommended lifestyle changes to ensure a successful recovery and a favorable outcome for your lawsuit. Even missing a few appointments could result in being offered a lower amount of compensation.
Contact Our Attorneys
Finally, reaching out to our skilled motorcycle accident attorneys can be instrumental in navigating the aftermath of your accident. We can provide you with support throughout the entire legal process, ensuring that you understand your rights and options every step of the way.
In addition, we have experience negotiating with insurance companies on behalf of our clients, which can be a complex and time-consuming process. By letting us handle these negotiations, you can focus on your recovery and leave the legal details to us.
Finally, if you cannot obtain the compensation you deserve through negotiations, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. Most insurance companies would prefer to avoid court, so even after a lawsuit is filed, a settlement can still be made before trial. Filing a lawsuit tells the insurance company you are serious about getting justice for your injuries.
Our Maryville, TN Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Are Here to Protect Your Rights and Get the Compensation You Deserve
For a free case review with our motorcycle accident lawyers, contact Howe Law at (844) 876-4357.
