If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Missouri, you're undoubtedly facing a myriad of challenges. From dealing with injuries and medical bills to understanding your legal rights, the path ahead might seem daunting. Let Beck & Beck walk you through the steps to take after a motorcycle accident and offer insights on how our Missouri motorcycle accident attorney can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Step 1: Prioritize Your Health and Safety
The first and foremost step is to prioritize your health and safety. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel your injuries are minor. Adrenaline can mask pain and injuries that may become apparent later. Document all medical treatment and follow your health care provider's recommendations diligently. This documentation will be crucial in building a strong case for compensation.
Step 2: Gather Evidence at the Scene
If your injuries allow and it is safe to do so, gather as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, damage to your motorcycle, and any other vehicles involved. Collect contact information from witnesses and note their statements. These details can play a significant role in establishing liability and proving the extent of your damages.
If you’re unable to collect evidence at the scene, do not panic. Our experienced Missouri motorcycle accident attorneys can still work with you to build a strong claim for compensation. Write down your account of what happened in as much detail as you can remember, and we’ll use this statement to begin our investigation.
Step 3: Report the Accident
Having an official record of the incident is important when dealing with insurance companies and legal proceedings. File an accident report with local law enforcement and make sure to get a copy of the report for your records.
Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company to report the accident as soon as possible. You should provide them with accurate and honest information about the accident. However, it’s best to avoid giving detailed statements until you've consulted with our attorneys. Insurance companies turn a profit by keeping claims to a minimum. Anything you say could be used against you to reduce the size of your settlement or deny the claim entirely.
Step 5: Consult a Skilled Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Beck & Beck
Hiring an experienced Missouri motorcycle accident attorney is crucial for navigating the legal complexities of your case within the statute of limitations. Beck & Beck is the only personal injury firm in Missouri that focuses exclusively on auto accident claims, which means that our experience in motorcycle accidents sets us apart from the competition. Check out our client testimonials to learn more about our commitment to helping accident victims get the compensation they need to move forward with their lives.
Step 6: Focus on Moving Forward, While We Protect Your Legal Rights
When you work with our personal injury firm, you can rest easy knowing that your case is being given the attention it deserves. While you focus on healing from your injuries and moving forward with your life, we’ll work to:
- Establish liability. Our firm will work to establish liability by examining the evidence, accident reports, and witness statements. We will also calculate the damages you've incurred, which might include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.
- Negotiate a settlement. We will initiate negotiations with the at-fault party's insurance company to reach a fair settlement. We’ll protect your interests throughout the process and advise you on the best course of action.
- Take your case to court. If necessary, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf and guide you through the legal proceedings. We will gather additional evidence, interview witnesses, and present your case before a judge and jury in a way that overcomes the problems associated with biker bias.