When you are dealing with an insurance company in the wake of a motorcycle accident, you should consider seeking the assistance of an attorney early in the process. However, here are four steps you may nevertheless want to consider to build your motorcycle accident claim. It takes some organization and foresight to put your strongest foot forward, so you need help to work on your case. The package you present to the insurance company may determine whether you receive compensation and how much you get.
Collect Your Emotions
If you decide to deal with the insurance company directly, it is crucial to take a deep breath as the very first step of your claims process. You might not even be in the position to receive compensation if you are not focused, because the insurance company could be trying to trip you up and get you to say something that undercuts your case.
Dealing with an insurance company is a stressful process. It automatically has an advantage over you because it has an army of lawyers, statisticians, and adjusters ready to jump into action. In order to be as effective as possible and present your best case, you should remain calm.
Document Your Accident
In order to have a viable motorcycle claim, you will need to show that someone else was responsible for the crash. Then, you will need to prove your damages in order to be paid for them. In other words, you must show that you are entitled to damages and what those damages are.
If you are dealing with the insurance company, it will make a claim offer to you after the company:
- Speaks to the drivers involved.
- Adjusts and completes its investigation.
- Reviews all the documentation.
You need to provide the insurance company with the necessary paperwork so it can determine liability and make you an offer. The first set of necessary documents would consist of pictures of the accident, the police report, and the contact information of witnesses who may speak with the adjuster.
The second set of needed paperwork is your medical records and other documents that could establish how much you deserve to be paid. Your attorney will guide you in determining what is the best evidence to prove your case. However, you should be ready to provide as many records as possible to give the insurance company a full picture of your damages. In addition, you should also be ready to provide pay stubs and salary information to pay you for lost wages.
It is important to be systematic and organized when you give information regarding your claim. Otherwise, your check could be delayed, and it may not get a full idea of what it needs to pay you.
Get Medical Help
The insurance company will write you a one-time check to settle your claim. Once you accept the check, you sign an agreement that releases them from any further liability. Therefore, you should be ready to provide a complete picture of your injuries because you will not get a second chance to come back for more money.
Medical records will help guide the insurance company when it is computing a settlement offer. Even if you do not think that you are injured, it is best to get checked out by a doctor. Not only is it the right thing for your health, but it will also help your claim.
Hire an Attorney
If everything that we said above seems intimidating, there is a reason for that. Insurance companies have earned their reputation of being difficult. When you are recovering from your accident, you need help dealing with the insurance company and compiling your claim.
An attorney will also help when your insurance company wants a statement and protect you from the other driver’s insurance. Finally, the attorney would also help you negotiate the claim since it takes time for the insurance company to make a reasonable settlement offer that fairly compensates you. In addition, it does not cost you any money upfront to hire an attorney for your claim, and they would have a good sense of how much you should be paid.