What Should I do After A Motorcycle Accident in Houston?
Step-by-step advice from experienced Houston motorcycle accident lawyers
Knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident in Houston can be confusing. Even knowing what your rights are might not be clear. That’s why it’s important to be prepared if the unexpected happens and another driver crashes into your motorcycle. That’s why we created this guide for what to do after a motorcycle accident in Houston.
Our experienced Houston motorcycle accident attorneys at Smith & Hassler, Attorneys at Law created this guide based on over 30 years of experience representing motorcycle accident victims. We know the challenges injured motorcyclists face. We know the issues that often come up. That’s why we want to meet with you if you sustained an injury in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver. Simply contact our Houston law firm and schedule your free consultation with a lawyer you can count on in a crisis.
What to do after a motorcycle accident in Houston
Contact the police – The first thing you should do is call the Houston Police Department and tell them you have been in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver. Ask the police to respond to your accident. Having a police officer respond to your motorcycle crash can often make a dramatic difference in the outcome of your case. That’s because an official police accident report matters a lot to insurance companies. Often, they use this form to determine who was at fault and who should be compensated. We can help you make sure your accident report is accurate and truly reflects what happened.
- Seek medical attention – Ask the police to send an ambulance to your motorcycle accident if you or someone else feels seriously injured. Even if you feel fine, it’s always best to have a medical professional examine you right away. That’s because you could have a life-threatening internal injury and not even realize it. Don’t take chances with your health. Have a medical professional examine you right away.
- Talk to witnesses – If someone saw your motorcycle accident, talk to them before they leave. Eyewitness testimony can make a huge difference in your case. Make sure to get the witness’ full name, address and best phone number to reach them. That way, you or anyone else investigating your motorcycle accident can reach them later.
- Take pictures of the accident – Pictures of your motorcycle accident can be important pieces of evidence. If possible, take pictures of your accident right away away. Pictures of damage to your motorcycle can be valuable pieces of evidence. So can pictures of the exact location of the accident, damage to the car that caused your crash and more.
- Get driver’s information – Make sure to get the driver’s name, phone number, address, and insurance information. Feel free to provide the same information to the driver about yourself. Other than that, don’t say a word. Anything you say to the other driver could be used against you by the other driver’s insurance company to deny your claim.
- Call your insurance company – Tell your insurance company you have been in a motorcycle accident in Houston caused by another driver. Provide only very basic information. If your insurance company asks you detailed questions about how the crash happened or what injuries you have, don’t answer them at this time. Until more is known about your crash, it’s always smart to be cautious when dealing with insurance companies, especially if you’re a motorcyclist. Insurance companies, even your own, can sometimes be difficult to deal with after an accident.
- Don’t talk to the other driver’s insurance company – This step is very important. The other driver’s insurance company will almost surely contact you after your motorcycle accident. Their questions might seem innocent or straightforward, but they’re likely fishing for information to use against you. You don’t legally have to talk to them. We know how to deal with insurance companies and can talk to them on your behalf.
- Carefully consider any settlement offer – The other driver’s insurance company will likely contact you and make a settlement offer for your motorcycle accident. It’s tempting to take an offer but the reality is these offers often don’t even come close to covering all your accident-related expenses. That’s why it’s important to talk with an attorney who can review your offer and advise you on what to do. We’d be happy to go over any offer you receive, free of charge, during your initial case evaluation.
- Schedule follow-up doctor’s appointment – Some motorcycle accident injuries take time to develop. It might be a few days or weeks after your motorcycle accident when you notice something’s wrong with your neck or back or another part of your body. Have your doctor examine you and make sure there’s nothing wrong. You health and well-being must come first.
- Contact a lawyer – The sooner you contact an attorney, the better. Having a lawyer in your corner after your crash can often make a big difference. Your attorney can help you in so many different ways, including:
- Help fill out any forms related to your motorcycle accident.
- Review your motorcycle accident report to make sure it’s accurate.
- Correct any mistakes, if possible, on your official motorcycle accident report.
- Deal with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Investigate your accident in detail.
- Consult with accident-reconstruction experts, if necessary.
- Negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company on your behalf.
- File a motorcycle accident lawsuit on your behalf, if necessary.
- Represent you at all court proceedings related to your motorcycle accident.
Get the respect your motorcycle accident deserves. Get an experienced Houston motorcycle accident lawyer at Smith & Hassler, Attorneys At Law. We get results.