What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accidents can leave victims with serious injuries and significant financial burdens. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Portland, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. At Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, our experienced Portland motorcycle accident attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (503) 862-8712 to learn more about your options and schedule your free consultation.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Portland
If you are injured in an Oregon motorcycle accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Oregon is a fault-based accident state, requiring negligent drivers to pay for their victims’ damages through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
However, motorcyclists are often subject to additional scrutiny during the claims process—and the actions you take immediately after the accident can have profound impacts on your case. In the aftermath of your motorcycle accident, take the following steps to protect yourself and your right to compensation:
- Call 911: The first step you should take after a motorcycle accident is to call 911. This will bring law enforcement and emergency medical services to the scene. Calling 911 is important because if you are severely injured, you can receive the treatment you need. Additionally, the responding officer will create an accident report that you can use as evidence in your future claim. The police report will contain several important pieces of information, such as the names of the involved parties, information about any witnesses in the area, and where the accident occurred. The officer will also write down his or her assessment of the accident based on the evidence he or she saw. You can then use the report to prove the at-fault driver’s liability and establish key facts about the accident in your case.
- Seek Medical Attention: Next, you should seek medical attention for the injuries you sustained in the accident. You should always go to the doctor after a motorcycle accident, even if you do not feel injured. Your medical records will serve as important pieces of evidence in your claim, and it is important to secure this documentation as soon as possible. You may also have underlying injuries that you are not aware of yet, and seeking treatment can help you avoid life-threatening complications. Additionally, failure to seek medical attention after a motorcycle accident could harm your future case. The liable insurance company may use failure to seek treatment against you, saying that your injuries are not serious or that you are not being truthful in your claim. The company may then use this information to reduce or deny your compensation. Always seek treatment after an accident, and save all records related to your treatment and injuries.
- Document the Scene: If you are able to move around the scene of the accident without putting yourself at risk of danger or worsening your injuries, take the time to document key pieces of evidence. Take photographs from as many angles as possible of your injuries, property damage, and the scene of the accident. Make sure to photograph any debris, skid marks, or traffic signs and signals in the area. Exchange license, insurance, and contact details with the other driver. Keep your interaction brief and do not make any statements about your injuries or how the accident occurred. If any witnesses saw the accident, ask them for their names and contact information. You could ask these individuals to provide testimony in your case and validate your version of events.
- Contact a Portland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: After you receive treatment for your injuries, contact a Portland motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your case and legal options. A lawyer can provide several benefits to your claim and guide you through the process, advocating for your best interests during each stage. Speak to an attorney as soon as possible for advice and assistance with initiating your motorcycle accident claim.
Contact Portland Motorcycle Accident Attorney at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC
Understanding the legal complexities involved in motorcycle accident claims in Oregon can be challenging, especially while dealing with your injuries. The Portland motorcycle accident attorneys at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC have extensive experience handling motorcycle accident cases throughout the state. We are dedicated to protecting your rights, ensuring fair compensation, and guiding you through every step of the legal process.
If you have questions about your motorcycle accident case or need legal representation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation. We are here to provide the knowledge and advocacy you need to secure the best possible outcome for your motorcycle accident claim.