What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident
1. Seek Medical Treatment & Document Your Injuries and Limitations
Highlighting how injuries and limitations from your motorcycle accident are impacting your life is crucial to getting the best results from your insurance claim. The most useful documentation comes from your doctor, so seek medical treatment and follow your doctor’s orders.
If the accident results in the death of a loved one, motorcycle accident attorney Gary R. Johnson can help you recover funeral and burial expenses, and other associated damages. Read “Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Oregon” for more information.
2. Report Your Accident to the DMV
You may have to file a report with the DMV within 72 hours or you run the risk of getting your license suspended. See if you need to file a Motor Vehicle Accident Report.
3. Get Medical Bills Paid
Car insurance policies include Personal Injury Protection or “PIP” insurance, which will pay your medical bills. However, motorcycle insurance companies are not required to include PIP insurance unless you request it.
If your motorcycle insurance did not include PIP, request that your health insurer pay your medical bills. The at-fault driver’s insurance company will usually not pay your medical bills before you settle.
4. Get Paid for Your Pain and Suffering
To get paid for your pain-and-suffering, you must bring a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. But be aware – they are not looking out for your best interests. It is a for-profit business first and its goal is to limit the amount of money it pays you.
Gary R Johnson understands the tactics of insurance companies because he used to represent insurance companies while working for Portland-based law firm Hart Wagner, and as head of litigation at Hurley Re in Bend. Now, he uses his insights to help people injured in motorcycle and auto accidents.
5. Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney ASAP
Make sure you contact a specialized motorcycle accident attorney before talking to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Anything you say can be used against you. You have the best chance to recover your damages and get paid for pain and suffering by hiring a good attorney.