Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Rhode Island Motorcycle Crash

Our Rhode Island Lawyers Explain What Mistakes to Avoid After a Motorcycle Accident

As a victim of a Rhode Island motorcycle accident, the actions you take after the crash can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. Unfortunately, many riders inadvertently make mistakes jeopardizing their legal rights and financial future. At Kirshenbaum & Kirshenbaum, our experienced Rhode Island motorcycle accident lawyers can help you avoid making some of the most common mistakes after a crash in the Ocean State so you can recover the compensation you deserve.

Leaving the Scene of the Accident

After a motorcycle crash, your first instinct might be to flee the scene, especially if you're feeling overwhelmed or scared. However, this is a grave mistake that can have serious legal consequences.

Remaining at the accident scene is not just a legal obligation but is crucial for protecting your rights. By remaining at the scene, law enforcement can document the accident accurately, and you can exchange information with other involved parties. Additionally, emergency medical services can assess and treat your injuries.

Leaving the scene of an accident in Rhode Island can result in criminal charges, making it even more challenging to pursue a personal injury claim later.

Failing to Call the Police

Some riders might be tempted to handle a minor accident without involving law enforcement. However, this can be a costly mistake. Calling the police after a motorcycle accident in Rhode Island is essential because:

It creates an official record of the incident.

Law enforcement can gather crucial evidence and witness statements.

The police report can serve as valuable documentation for your insurance claim or lawsuit and help to establish fault and liability.

Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention

Many riders make the mistake of declining medical attention at the scene, thinking they're fine. However, failing to seek immediate medical care can worsen your injuries and complicate your recovery. It can make linking your injuries directly to the accident more difficult.

Always accept medical attention at the scene and follow up with your doctor, even if you feel okay. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, may not show symptoms immediately but can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Admitting Fault or Apologizing

After a motorcycle crash, you might feel compelled to apologize or accept blame, even if you're not at fault. This response can severely damage your case.

Innocent remarks such as “I am sorry” can be interpreted as admissions of guilt and used against you by insurance companies or opposing attorneys. Instead, stick to factual statements about what happened without assigning blame.

Providing a recorded statement without legal counsel is risky because you could inadvertently say something that can be used against you. You are not obligated to give a recorded statement. You can decline and inform them that you'll be seeking legal representation. A Rhode Island motorcycle accident attorney can handle these communications on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected.

Accepting a Quick Settlement Offer

Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for as little money as possible. They may offer you a settlement soon after the accident, hoping you'll accept before fully understanding the extent of your injuries and damages.

Since you may not yet know the full extent of your injuries or long-term medical needs, the offer may not account for future lost wages or pain and suffering. Remember, once you accept a settlement, you typically can't seek additional compensation later.

Always consult a Rhode Island motorcycle accident lawyer before accepting any settlement offer. An experienced attorney can accurately value your claim and negotiate for fair compensation.

Delaying Legal Consultation

Many motorcycle accident victims wait too long to seek legal advice, thinking they can handle the claim on their own or that hiring a lawyer is too expensive. This delay can be a costly mistake.

Consulting with a Rhode Island motorcycle accident attorney promptly is crucial because:

Evidence can disappear or degrade over time, and witnesses' memories may fade.
There are strict time limits (statutes of limitations) for filing personal injury claims in Rhode Island.
Early legal intervention can prevent you from making other crucial mistakes that could harm your case.

If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident in Rhode Island, our experienced lawyers can understand the bias motorcyclists face and will work to get you justice. Read the case results and testimonials on our website to see how our Rhode Island motorcycle accident law firm has helped riders in similar situations. While each case is unique, the goal is the same: to get you the settlement you deserve to compensate you for your injuries and loss.

Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Rhode Island Motorcycle Crash

Our Rhode Island Lawyers Explain What Mistakes to Avoid After a Motorcycle Accident

Leaving the Scene of the Accident

Failing to Call the Police

Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention

Admitting Fault or Apologizing

Giving Recorded Statements to Insurance Companies

Meet Our Team

Accepting a Quick Settlement Offer

Delaying Legal Consultation

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