The consequences of a serious Virginia Beach motorcycle accident can be devastating. Fortunately, if you know what steps to take, such as seeking prompt medical care and collecting evidence, you can protect your health and your right to compensation. In order to do so, however, you will have to prove that the other party was negligent and that negligence was the direct cause of your injuries. With more than five decades of combined experience helping injured motorcyclists, the experienced Virginia Beach motorcycle accident lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can help.
Call us today to schedule a free review of your motorcycle accident case. In the meantime, if you are involved in a motorcycle accident in the Virginia Beach area, the next steps you should take are:
Seek Medical Attention
Getting prompt medical attention should always be your first priority after a motorcycle accident. Even if you do not think you were badly injured, a thorough medical evaluation is important. Invisible injuries, such as internal bleeding and concussions, can have serious consequences if they go untreated. Always visit a healthcare provider as soon as possible for an examination, diagnostic testing, and any necessary medical treatments.
Following your initial examination, it is vital that you attend all of your follow-up appointments and follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Not only is important to your recovery, but it will also create a medical paper trail that will be extremely useful as your motorcycle accident claim progresses. Ignoring your doctor’s advice or skipping treatments can endanger your claim because it will give the insurance company an opening to contest your injuries and say they are not as serious as you are making them out to be.
Gather Evidence from the Motorcycle Accident Scene
To do so, you need strong evidence that corroborates your version of how the accident happened. Videos and pictures of the crash scene can record important details such as property damage and road conditions. Witness statements and police crash reports can also serve as solid evidence, particularly if their account aligns with yours. So, if possible, write down the contact details of anyone who saw the accident. You should also keep the clothes you were wearing when the accident occurred.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Most auto insurance policies specify a time period within which you are required to report an accident. While it is important that you abide by the terms of your policy, remember to be mindful of what you say. Keep to the facts: what happened, where, and who was involved. Never provide them with a written or recorded statement or admit fault without first consulting a qualified motorcycle accident attorney.
Don’t Post on Social Media
Insurance companies and their attorneys routinely search social media platforms looking for anything that can be used to disprove your claim. Pictures and posts that seem harmless to you can easily be taken out of context and turned against you. Until your case is resolved, refrain from posting personal information on social media sites to ensure you do not accidentally jeopardize your chances of recovery.
Partner With an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Following an accident, an experienced Virginia Beach motorcycle accident lawyer can be your best ally. They will be familiar with the nuances of motorcycle accident claims, the most effective methods of gathering evidence, and how to deal with insurance adjusters. They can also calculate your claim’s value and ensure that you do not settle for less than it is worth.
The sooner you seek legal representation, the stronger your case will be and the more likely you are to obtain the financial compensation you need to cover your accident-related damages as exemplified by a case where we recovered $1.85 million for the family of a motorcyclist who was killed by a negligent truck driver. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident through no fault of your own, contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to schedule a free case review with a qualified Virginia Beach motorcycle accident lawyer.