Being involved in a motorcycle accident is a traumatic experience, and it’s easy to make mistakes after the crash that can harm your chances for getting fair compensation from insurance companies—money you’ll need for medical bills as well as to repair or replace your motorcycle.
It’s Important To Avoid Making These Mistakes After Being Involved In A Myrtle Beach Motorcycle Accident
Not Staying at the Scene of the Accident
It’s easy to feel panicked after being involved in a motorcycle crash, and sometimes fleeing the scene might seem like the easiest way to deal with it, especially if the accident is not your fault. However, you are required by South Carolina law to stay at the scene until the police arrive. Leaving the scene can also make you look guilty, even if you are not, so it’s critical to stay, so you can share your side of the story for the police report.
Not Contacting the Police
If there is any injury, death, or property damage, those involved in an accident must call the police. Even if the other drivers involved in the accident ask you not to, be sure to call 911.
Not Getting Immediate Medical Attention
Motorcyclists can experience serious injuries that are not always immediately apparent. Even if the cyclist is wearing a helmet, head trauma is a real possibility, and symptoms may not show up until days or even weeks later. Life-threatening complications can arise. Not seeking immediate medical attention can also jeopardize your financial recovery. You need to document your injuries as a part of proving your case against the party or parties responsible for the accident. In addition, if you wait too long to seek medical attention, it will be more difficult to prove that your injuries were caused because of the accident.
Not Documenting the Scene of the Accident
Although it may be difficult to do, it’s crucial that you document the scene of the crash as best as you can. Don’t expect the police to do that. If possible, you or a passenger should take pictures of the scene, and talk to witnesses to help accurately depict what happened.
Not Talking to an Attorney Prior to Talking to the Insurance Company
Soon after the accident, the other party’s insurance company will call you to request a recorded statement. Be sure to speak with an attorney before you go on record. Remember that the goal of the insurance company is to pay out as little money as possible, and it might try to confuse you into making statements that indicate fault. Do not speak to the insurance company before consulting a motorcycle accident attorney, or you could unintentionally damage your claim.
Many Myrtle Beach motorcyclists think that carrying the minimum insurance is enough, but the our experience has been that 95% of the time these limits just simply aren't enough.
Not Holding Off on Needed Repairs to Your Bike and Helmet
It is understandable that you will be eager to get your motorcycle and helmet repaired after an accident, but doing so prematurely can be devastating to your case. Store both in their post-accident state until all appropriate parties have had the opportunity to inspect them.
Not Working With a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
To present the strongest case, we recommend working with an attorney who handles motorcycle accident cases and who knows the ins and outs of motorcycle accident claims in South Carolina.
