Despite the fact that Hawaii law guarantees you full compensation for your motorcycle accident injuries, it may be challenging to get the insurance carrier of the at-fault driver to pay up. What you do immediately after a motorcycle accident may have a significant impact on the value of your claim and the amount you earn in a settlement.
Making errors that undermine your case and compel you to settle for less than you deserve from the insurance company is the last thing you want to happen. The following are the seven most common slip-ups people make after a motorcycle accident.
Waiting to get Medical Attention
You should seek medical assistance as soon as possible after an injury. While you undoubtedly already know that you should seek medical assistance as soon as possible if you’ve been wounded in any manner in a motorcycle accident, you may not realize that this is true even if you feel like you have just minor injuries or that you weren’t hurt at all.
The symptoms of certain injuries, such as those to the head, back, and spine, do not appear for days after the collision. After a motorcycle accident, it’s not a good idea to put off visiting a doctor for more than 48 hours for two reasons:
- Your health problem might, in the worst-case situation, endanger your life.
- The insurance provider can attempt to deny or underpay your claim by claiming that your injuries were the result of a different incident or are not that severe.
Avoiding a 911 Call
The careless driver may attempt to persuade you not to report the incident to the authorities. If you listen to them, though, you risk losing evidence that might establish their carelessness in causing your motorcycle accident.
The police will look into what happened and create a report detailing what occurred, driver and witness testimony, their findings of blame, and any tickets given for traffic violations. Do not get rid of this proof that might get you more money from the insurance company.
Not Informing Your Insurance Company About the Accident
You should notify your insurance carrier about the accident even if you do not plan to submit a claim. Your insurance contract places this obligation on you. If the irresponsible driver has no or inadequate insurance but you have acquired collision, uninsured/underinsured motorist, or other coverage that might assist you, you may not be able to submit a claim until you complete this crucial step.
Consenting to Record a Statement
The insurance adjuster will ask you questions regarding the incident and your injuries during a recorded session that will be transcribed into a written statement. You don’t have to give a recorded statement to settle your claim, and if you do, it could hurt your case a lot.
Unwittingly making a remark that contradicts your previous testimony or that may be used against you in a trial might have serious legal repercussions. Do not agree to offer one; this is a common error made by people who have been in motorcycle accidents.
Accepting a Speedy Settlement
Accepting a hasty settlement of your claim is another major blunder you should avoid. Insurance companies often make lowball offers quickly after an accident occurs in the hopes that the policyholder will take the money rather than think about all of the potential outcomes. Never give up legal rights or settle a matter on your own; always seek counsel first.
Failure to preserve evidence
Additionally, if you wait too long to start collecting evidence after your accident, you risk losing the vital details you need to build a strong case. Keep your motorcycle and clothes in the same state that they were in just after the crash. You should also use your phone to snap images of the site and record the information about the other driver, their insurance provider, and any witnesses.
Not Immediately Hiring Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Hiring the best motorcycle accident attorneys who specialize in representing people who have been hurt in motorcycle accidents too late after the incident is one of the worst things you can do. They can help you avoid these and other mistakes, collect the proof you need to prove the other motorist was negligent, and negotiate with the insurance provider for a reasonable settlement. If your insurance provider is treating you unfairly, you may anticipate them to file a lawsuit and defend your legal rights before the statute of limitations on your case expires and you lose your opportunity to sue the at-fault driver.
How do you fix a mistake if you have already committed one?
Don’t worry, we are here to help you. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Hawaii, do not hesitate to contact the motorcycle accident attorneys at the Recovery Law Center. We have handled many such cases where clients have come to us after making these mistakes. We are readily accessible to handle every facet of your claim, and we will use every effort to ensure that justice is done.
When you come in for a consultation with us, it won’t cost you a dime, and if we take your case, you won’t pay a dime in legal costs until we win you money. Call us at 808- 201-5971 for a free consultation.
