One of the biggest problems after a Wisconsin motorcycle accident is knowing what to do next. Should you talk to the insurance company? What compensation is available in a motorcycle accident claim? Taking the following 10 steps can help protect your legal rights, health, and well-being.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health comes first. Symptoms of an injury may not appear until later, but could be detected through a physical exam. Seeing a doctor immediately ensures you get the care you need and creates a medical record to support your personal injury claim.
Document the Motorcycle Accident Scene
Take photos for evidence if you can. Capture images of the crash site, any injuries you suffered, and the damage to your bike, other vehicles, and the environment around you. Collect contact information from witnesses. You will need all this evidence for your claim.
Report the Crash to Authorities
Contact law enforcement so they can respond to the scene and record what happened. An official accident report will include important details about the collision and who might be at fault. This report can be valuable when dealing with motorcycle accident insurance claims.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Let your insurance company know about the crash as soon as you can. Be truthful about what happened, but don’t agree to a recorded statement until you’ve talked to a motorcycle accident attorney in Wisconsin.
Gather Necessary Documentation
Keep all medical bills, repair estimates, and records of missed workdays. A well-documented case strengthens your claim for a motorcycle accident by showing the true impact of the crash on your life.
Consult a Wisconsin Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies are not on your side. A claims representative may offer a low settlement that does not cover all your losses. A motorcycle accident lawyer can determine what your case is worth, negotiate with the insurance company for you, and work to get you the compensation you need for your expenses and losses.
File Your Claim by the Deadline
Wisconsin law generally gives motorcycle accident victims three years from the date of the crash to take legal action. Shorter deadlines could apply based on the situation. Missing the deadline could mean losing your right to pursue compensation in court, so it’s best to act quickly.
File Your Motorcycle Accident Claim
Once you have the necessary documentation, your attorney can file your claim. This step officially starts the process of seeking motorcycle accident compensation for losses like medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
Negotiate a Settlement or File a Lawsuit
No matter how tempting, you should never rush into settling with the insurer. If the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can discuss the possibility of filing a motorcycle accident lawsuit and taking your case to trial. Showing that you are serious about going to court could lead to a better motorcycle accident settlement.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Wisconsin
Dealing with the legal process can feel overwhelming after a motorcycle crash. That’s where the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys from LawtonCates come in. We’ve been fighting for accident victims in Madison, Jefferson, Milwaukee, and across South Central Wisconsin since 1958 — more than 60 years of standing up to insurance companies and putting our clients first.
Unlike firms that rush cases through the system, we don’t do quick settlements. Instead, we build every case as if it’s going to trial, showing insurers that we mean business. Call or contact our award-winning team now for a free consultation.
