If you get injured in a motorcycle accident in Texas, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills and property repairs. However, you need to take the right steps to ensure eligibility for insurance benefits, such as seeking medical care right away. Avoid these common mistakes to protect your well-being and preserve your legal rights as a motorcycle crash victim.
Delaying Medical Care
Your main priority after a motorcycle accident should be protecting your physical health by seeing a doctor immediately. Even if you initially feel fine, you may have injuries and hidden symptoms due to your adrenaline from the crash. Go to a hospital immediately and follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
Saying the Wrong Thing to a Driver
If your motorcycle accident involved a driver, be careful what you say at the scene of the crash. Do not apologize for the accident, as this could be construed as an admittance of fault. Do not admit fault in any regard, including when talking to the police. Do not yell at or berate the driver for hitting your motorcycle, either. Try to remain calm while you exchange information.
Failing to Report the Motorcycle Accident to the Police
In Texas, the law requires motor vehicle operators to report any crash to law enforcement that involves injuries, death or property damage over $1,000. This describes most motorcycle accidents, as the property damage caused to a motorcycle alone can be immense.
It is important to report your motorcycle accident by calling 911 immediately, even if the damage appears minor. A police report is a critical component of filing a motorcycle accident insurance claim. The insurance company will ask to see a police report for important details about the crash.
Accepting Cash From the Driver
Do not make the mistake of thinking it would be better to resolve a crash dispute without involving insurance companies. Accepting cash from the other party involved is a big mistake. A driver may give you false information, making it impossible to contact him or her later for payment. You may also accept much less than you deserve compared to the settlement you could achieve with an insurance claim.
Failing to Document Damages
Achieving a fair insurance settlement for a motorcycle crash in Texas requires compelling proof of your losses, otherwise known as damages. The insurance company will request evidence of the injuries or property damage that you are claiming.
Document your damages by taking pictures of your injuries, keeping a daily injury journal that records how you are feeling, and requesting copies of your medical bills and records. Do not post about your injuries on social media, as this content could be used against you by an insurance company.
Trusting an Insurance Company
Insurance companies do not want injured motorcyclists to recover fair compensation for their injuries. They want to protect their own profits by minimizing payouts as much as possible. Do not trust an insurance claims adjuster during negotiations. Do not give the insurance company a recorded statement, go into detail about your injuries or accept a settlement before speaking to an attorney.
Not Hiring a Lawyer
The best way to protect yourself and your rights in the aftermath of a motorcycle crash is by hiring an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Austin to represent you as soon as possible. The lawyers at FVF Law have over 100 years of combined legal experience. Learn how we can help you during a free motorcycle accident case consultation at (512) 865-4817.
