What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Hartsoe Law Firm has established a reputation as an experienced Knoxville and Maryville motorcycle accident law firm. We have successfully represented numerous victims injured in motorcycle accidents throughout Tennessee. Our commitment to service has been of great value to personal injury victims harmed by negligence.

Motorcycles are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and save money on gas. The power of a motorbike allows riders to maneuver through traffic, past drivers trapped in slowly-moving cars. But cyclists are also less visible and more exposed to danger. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, 80 percent of motorcycle accidents lead to injury or death, a large fraction compared to the 20 percent linked to cars. Motorcycle accidents often involve:

• Speeding
• Intoxication
• Lane changes
• Distracted driving
• Unprotected turns
• Rider in blind spot
• Aggressive driving
• Traffic intersections
• Following too closely

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, your safety comes first. Do not attempt to move if you feel any pain in your neck or back. Ask someone near you to call an ambulance. If you are conscious, try to drag yourself away from oncoming traffic. Distance yourself from the motorcycle if you see smoke or smell burning. When you have collected your wits and are out of harm’s way, call the authorities to file an accident report. If the involved parties have stopped, listen to what they say. Obtain any personal information, including:

• Name, address, phone number
• Driver’s license and plate number
• Insurance company, policy number
• Make, model, year, and color of car

In addition, try to record a description of the accident, including what happened before and after. This will help you remember details you would otherwise forget. Important background information may include place, location, time, weather, and the contact information of any witnesses. Write down what the witnesses saw and heard. Consult a trusted personal injury attorney to immediately start working on your case. The insurance company lawyers on the other side oftentimes will get a head start on investigating the claim if you delay in getting the legal help you need from an experienced Tennessee motorcycle attorney like Mark Hartsoe.

Any written evidence describing the accident is crucial to proving fault. Keep all information regarding witnesses who were near the crash. Take pictures of the damage and accident scene using a cell phone camera, if necessary. Obtain a complete checkup and keep copies of all medical bills. You may also want to keep a journal of the physical and emotional effects the accident had on you and your family members. Obtain a copy of the crash report as soon as possible and then contact Hartsoe Law Firm.

Your insurance company may require that you report the accident and give a recorded statement describing the crash. But if you are contacted by the other party’s insurance adjuster, politely decline to give a statement or discuss the accident. Insurance adjusters often ask if they can record your conversation, which can result in you making an offhanded remark that will be misconstrued and used against you. They receive training on how to question injury victims in a way that could compromise your claim. Many motorcycle accident victims do not feel discomfort until days or weeks later. After getting a medical examination, discuss the diagnosis and recommendations with your attorney. Because insurance companies often try to minimize liability for your injury, it is important to seek legal representation. Never sign a waiver of liability or agree to a settlement without consulting an attorney first. An early settlement may bar your right to seek full compensation for past and future harm later.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, an experienced Knoxville or Maryville personal injury lawyer at Hartsoe Law Firm can help. Attorneys from other states often refer motorcycle cases to Mark Hartsoe because of his extensive experience in this area of personal injury law. Let Hartsoe Law Firm handle insurance adjusters and deal with other parties on your behalf. Our office is dedicated to defending your interests and helping you achieve the greatest outcome possible at trial or through settlement. Call 865-804-1011 for a free consultation or contact us online.