5 Ways to Protect Yourself after a Motorcycle Accident

A wrecked motorcycle



Motorcycle accidents injure thousands of people every year. In fact, according to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were approximately 89,000 motorcyclists injured in 2017 alone. In many cases, victims are able to recover compensation for their accident-related losses, such as medical bills and lost income. 

Below are five things that you should do after an accident to ensure that your legal rights are protected. For more information, call us today to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.

Document Your Accident

If you are able to do so at the scene, take pictures of the aftermath of the accident and your injuries. Of course, if you are seriously hurt, go directly to the hospital - you can always reconstruct the accident with the help of a lawyer.

After your condition has stabilized, be sure to document the ways in which your crash affects you every day. It’s not a bad idea to keep a “recovery journal” where you make notes about any pain you experience, problems you have sleeping or any other issues you experience because of your injuries.

See Your Doctor

You should see your physician after an accident, even if you were cleared to go home by the healthcare professionals that initially treated you. The more documentation you have, the better, and seeing your doctor will result in a detailed report describing your injuries. In addition, be sure to continue with your treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments.

Stay Off of Social Media

After a serious crash on your bike, you may be tempted to take to social media to discuss the accident and your recovery. It is important to be aware of the fact that insurance companies regularly monitor accident victims’ social media accounts to look for anything they can find as evidence to minimize or deny their claims. Importantly, it’s not just posts about your accident that could hurt you; even a picture of you hanging out with friends at the park could be used as evidence that you are not as hurt as you are claiming to be. For this reason, it’s a good idea to avoid social media altogether while your case is pending.

Don’t Accept a Settlement Before Talking to a Lawyer

Insurance companies are actively trying to limit the amount they pay out on every claim they receive. As a result, they may approach you quickly after an accident with a seemingly generous settlement offer. In most cases, their hope is that you haven’t yet realized how serious your injuries are and also have not yet talked to a lawyer. If you accept their first offer, it’s almost impossible to get additional compensation in the future. For this reason, you should always talk to a lawyer before accepting a settlement.

Contact a Lawyer as Soon as You Can

Finally, you should call an attorney as soon as you can after an accident. Once you are represented by a lawyer, he or she will handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on your physical and emotional recovery. To schedule your free case evaluation with a lawyer at Salam P.C., call our office today at 866-640-8998 or email us at [email protected].


Our lawyers are licensed in Texas, New Mexico, Michigan, and D.C.




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