What to Do After Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can leave victims shaken and often seriously injured. If you live in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, or Everett and would like to consult with a lawyer following a motorcycle accident, contact the offices of Phillips & Webster.

• Safety at the Scene of Motorcycle Accidents
• Collection of Accident Information
• Communication with Insurance Carrier

Safety at the Scene of Motorcycle Accidents

Your safety and well-being should be your highest priority following a motorcycle accident. Once the accident has occurred, you must remain at the scene of the accident. Move your motorcycle to a safe position close to the location of the accident. Be sure to stay as far away from oncoming traffic as you can. Assess the state of your injuries and check any other person involved in the accident for injuries.

You must call 911 to report the accident, even if you think that you may be blamed for the incident. Reporting the accident as soon as it happens can also aid in receiving medical help as quickly as possible for yourself or others who may have been injured. Emergency medical professionals are always ready to respond quickly to victims of motorcycle accidents throughout Washington. Even if you may not believe that you are seriously injured, it is still wise to have medical personnel assess your condition immediately, as you may not recognize injuries due to the initial shock of being in an accident. Receiving an immediate and accurate assessment of your injuries is also a crucial element of filing a successful claim. Our law firm has extensive experience representing victims of motorcycle accidents living in or around the Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, and Everett areas. If you need a lawyer to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve, contact Phillips & Webster to schedule a consultation today.

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Collection of Accident Information

Immediately after law enforcement and emergency medical professionals have been contacted, the best thing to do next is to gather and exchange contact information – names, phone numbers, and addresses – from all other involved parties and witnesses. Also, write down the make, model, year, license plate number, insurance carrier, and insurance policy number of each of the vehicles that were involved in the motorcycle accident.

When police officers arrive on the scene, make sure that your statement is recorded correctly. Though the officers will do their best to record your account as accurately as possible, they are not impervious to error. Rather, ask to review the statement for accuracy with the attending officer after your statement has been taken. If you spot an error, contact the police agency soon after and ask to file a supplemental report that is accurate. Be sure to take down the responding officer's name, phone number, and the police report number. As a rule, never admit fault at any time whatsoever. Cooperate with and answer the officer's questions accurately, but do not at any time admit that you are the liable party.

If you have a camera on hand, take pictures of the scene of the accident and the damage to your motorcycle, as well as the other vehicles involved in the accident. If you can, take pictures of the people who are involved. In addition, take pictures of any damage to your gear and your injuries. Photographs can be crucial in proving the extent and severity of damages and injuries, which can greatly help your case.

In addition to the evidence you collect, our attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your motorcycle accident, reconstructing the scene of the accident if necessary. Victims of motorcycle accidents deserve top legal representation, and the lawyers at Phillips & Webster have offices serving Seattle, Everett, Tacoma, Bellevue, and the surrounding areas. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact us to pursue the compensation you are entitled top under the law.

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Communication with Insurance Carrier

Though different insurance carriers have varying requirements regarding when you need to notify them about an accident, a basic rule of thumb is to provide notification as soon as possible. Some insurance companies require that you call them from the scene of accident while others require notification within a certain amount of time. Regardless of who is responsible for the accident, you must report the incident to your insurance carrier. If you fail to notify your insurance carrier, they may declare that they were not given a sufficient amount of time to investigate the claim, creating difficulties for you as you attempt to settle the case.

For your benefit, find out the specifics of what your insurance provider requires in order to protect the validity of your claim.

If you plan on submitting a claim against another driver or drivers involved in the accident, it is wise to make the claim after contacting an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. The insurance companies of the parties you plan to file a claim against will often attempt to get a recorded statement from you soon after the accident. We urge you not to speak to other insurance companies as pain, medication, and shock may inhibit you from speaking with a clear mind. If the statement provides contradictory facts from other instances of your accounts, it may be used against you.

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Motorcycle Accidents Lawyers Serving Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, and Everett

Promptly contacting your insurance carrier after a motorcycle accident and following their procedures accurately is important to maintaining the credibility of your claim. Of equal importance is retaining an experienced lawyer who will aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve. Motorcycle accidents are undoubtedly traumatic and costly experiences. Our attorneys, serving residents throughout Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Tacoma, and all of Washington use their expert knowledge and dedication to make sure you are rightfully compensated. Contact Phillips & Webster today if you wish to learn more about how we can provide you with the assistance you need after undergoing such a stressful event.

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