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Motorcycle accidents can be tragic events that end in severe injuries, and dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming. In Mississippi, knowing the steps to take after the dust has settled is crucial to preserving your rights and protecting your claim, but knowing what you should avoid doing is just as important. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Southaven or Hernando, Mississippi, there are critical mistakes that you should avoid to protect your right to pursue compensation from the party that harmed you.
The Immediate Aftermath: Critical Mistakes to Avoid
The crash scene of a motorcycle accident can be devastating and confusing. Often, the victim is too shocked to process the situation and figure out what steps to take. There are two mistakes that you should avoid making if you’ve been involved in an accident:
- Failure to Call the Police: No matter how minor the accident was, it’s essential to call the police and report the incident. The police will file a report, which will include their initial findings and any witness statements. Failing to have law enforcement document the accident in this report means critical information could be missing in your case.
- Admitting Fault or Apologizing: You should not apologize or admit fault, even if you believe you might be partially at fault. Anything you say could be used against you in court and weaken your case.
What to Avoid In Insurance Interactions
After the dust of the accident has settled, you’re likely dealing with the other driver’s insurance company. Insurance adjusters can be tricky, so there are a few things to keep in mind when dealing with them:
- Avoid Speaking to the Insurance Company Without Representation: Never speak with the other driver’s insurer without consulting an attorney first. Insurance adjusters are trained to pay out as little as possible and will usually try to pressure you into accepting a low settlement.
- Don’t Settle Quickly: Insurance companies will offer you something shortly after the accident. It might be tempting to accept it and forget about the whole thing, but remember that these initial offers rarely consider the full extent of your injuries. Initial offers also tend to dismiss the possibility that you might have future medical expenses. If you accept an offer too quickly, you may find yourself with out-of-pocket charges later on. Always consult a professional before accepting any offer.
- Contact Your Own Insurer Immediately: Make sure to give your insurance company a call immediately after the accident as well. Delaying this step can hurt your claim. Insurance companies require timely notification, and failure to report the incident promptly can result in denial of coverage. Even if the accident was not your fault, you must inform your insurer immediately.
Pitfalls to Avoid with Medical Treatment Decisions
After an accident, you likely are faced with many injuries. There are mistakes some people make with their medical treatment and decisions that harm their case, such as:
- Skipping or Delaying Medical Treatments: You may think your injuries are not severe enough to seek medical attention, or perhaps you don’t have medical insurance. Whatever the case is, do not avoid going to the doctor. Having medical documentation immediately after the accident is vital to proving your injuries were caused by the accident and showing their severity, and documenting ongoing medical costs is essential in establishing the extent of your medical expenses.
- Not Following the Doctor’s Advice: Similarly, you should take all prescribed medications and treatments. Failure to do so can be used against you in court.
How Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman Can Help
If you were in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else and injured as a result, it is vital to have an experienced attorney who understands how to handle motorcycle accident claims and lawsuits in Mississippi. At Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman, we can walk you through this process. We will see that you do not make critical mistakes that could sabotage your claim and do all we can to protect your rights. To learn what we can do for you, contact us today for a free consultation.
