The aftermath of a motorcycle accident in Virginia can be devastating, but by taking the right steps, you can safeguard your health and your right to financial compensation. The Virginia Beach motorcycle accident lawyers at Deering Hedrick have over three decades of experience helping bikers who’ve been hurt through no fault of their own, so we know how critical the moments, days, and weeks after a wreck can be. That’s why we’ve provided this blog post about the crucial steps you can take to lay the groundwork for a successful accident claim against the at-fault party or parties.

Step 1: Seek Medical Treatment and Follow Your Doctor’s Orders Precisely

Seeking medical treatment is your first priority after leaving the scene of a motorcycle accident. Even if you think you’ve escaped relatively unscathed, getting a professional evaluation is essential. Hidden injuries like concussions or internal bleeding can have severe consequences if untreated, so make it a point to visit a healthcare provider immediately for a complete examination, diagnostic tests, and any necessary procedures.

After your initial check-up, it’s crucial to adhere to all prescribed treatments and to attend follow-up appointments. Not only is this vital for your well-being, but it also creates a medical record that can be invaluable as you pursue a personal injury claim. Skipping treatments or ignoring medical advice could jeopardize your claim, as doing so gives the impression that your injuries are not as serious as you say they are.

Step 2: Save Any Evidence from the Crash Scene

You will need to prove that another party caused your injuries in order to secure compensation for them, and it takes considerable evidence to establish what happened and why. Some of this evidence you can procure yourself. Photos and videos of the accident scene can vividly capture details like road conditions, vehicle damage, and the positioning of vehicles. Similarly, eyewitness accounts can add another layer of credibility to your story, especially if their observations align with your account of events. So, if you collected any contact information from people who saw what happened, hold onto it. Hang onto the clothes you were wearing at the time of the crash, and do not alter them in any way.

Step 3: Inform Your Insurance Company

Your insurance policy likely requires you to report any accident within a certain time period, usually a few days. Be sure to do so, but also remember to be careful about what you say. Stick to the basic facts – what happened, where it happened, and who was involved. Refrain from giving a recorded statement or making admissions of fault without consulting legal counsel first. Insurance companies protect their profits by minimizing payouts, and they will try to use anything you say against you to reduce the compensation you receive. So, keep your conversation factual and straightforward, and consult with a qualified personal injury attorney to protect your interests.

Step 4: Stay Off Social Media

Insurance adjusters and their legal teams often scour social media profiles for anything they can use to discredit your claim. Seemingly innocent posts or photos can be taken out of context and used against you. For example, if you share a picture of you smiling at a family gathering, the insurance company might use it to suggest you’re not as injured as you claim to be. Until your case concludes, keep a low profile online to ensure you don’t inadvertently jeopardize your chance of recovering the compensation you deserve.

Step 5: Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

A motorcycle accident lawyer in Virginia Beach is your best ally after a collision. Legal professionals know the ins and outs of accident claims. They know how to gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and explain your rights under Virginia law. They can assess the value of your case so that you don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Remember, time is of the essence; the sooner you get legal advice, the stronger your chances of securing the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. The Virginia motorcycle accident attorneys at Deering Hedrick have a proven track record of helping people recover fair compensation for their injuries and can put this track record to work for you. Call (757) 383-6848 or complete our contact form for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help with your claim.