Avoid These Five Common Mistakes After A Motorcycle Accident In Minnesota

The unseasonably warm winter in Minnesota means that many motorcycle riders have already had the chance to get a ride in this year. An extended riding season is great news for most motorcyclists, but it also means we can expect an uptick in accidents as motorists will have more opportunities to ride. If you end up in a motorcycle accident, make sure you don’t mistakenly make it harder on yourself to earn the compensation you deserve. In today’s blog, we share some common mistakes you’ll want to avoid in the wake of a Minnesota motorcycle accident.

Don’t Make These Mistakes After A Minnesota Motorcycle Accident

Since most people have not been involved in a motorcycle accident, they may not know the best way to proceed if they unexpectedly find themselves in an accident. While there’s no perfect playbook because every accident is different, there are some common mistakes you’ll want to avoid. Here are five mistakes to avoid following a Minnesota motorcycle accident:

1. Not Seeking Medical Care – The unfortunate reality is that motorcycle accidents have a tendency to be more severe to the rider, which means it’s less likely that they’ll skip a medical evaluation after an accident. With that said, some riders may not realize how injured they really are after an accident because adrenaline is pumping throughout their body. Get peace of mind knowing that you’re not dealing with any internal injuries and make it easier on yourself in the event you do want to pursue a claim by seeking medical care right after the accident.

2. Not Documenting The Scene – Unless you need immediate medical care for injuries, try to collect as much evidence as possible from the crash site. Take out your phone and snap some pictures of the damage or the scene of the accident, and see if you can take down the contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident and can verify your claim. We understand it’s not always possible to collect evidence after a severe accident, but if you are able to, don’t leave the scene without collecting as much evidence as possible.

3. Not Keeping Damaged Equipment – If your bike is a total loss or you broke your helmet during the crash, don’t just dispose of these items. Damaged equipment can help to build your claim and strengthen your version of events. It may also be easier to replace or find fair value for if you keep these damaged items until your case has concluded. Hang onto any equipment from your bike or your body until your case has been settled.

4. Not Contacting A Lawyer – Minnesota is a No Fault state when it comes to car accident injury compensation, so it’s certainly possible that you can collect compensation through your insurance company without the help of a lawyer. That said, there are maximum coverage amounts to No Fault claims, and if you need to go after another party’s insurance provider, you need to have a professional in your corner. Don’t assume another person’s insurance company will be as easy to work with as your insurance company, and remember that even your own insurance company may work to minimize their liability, so don’t be afraid to work with a lawyer even if you’re only filing a claim with your own insurer.

5. Jumping At The First Offer – We understand that the accident may have put some financial strain on you and your family, but we strongly urge you not to jump at the first offer you get from the insurance company. At a minimum, run the offer by your lawyer to ensure all valuations are correct and all relevant aspects are accounted for in the claim. If you can have a little patience and trust your lawyer’s ability, odds are you can improve your award by countering an initial offer.

The team at Margolis Law Firm can help you avoid these mistakes and ensure you are compensated handsomely for your injuries, so let us help you get the financial award you deserve. For more information, or for help with a different type of injury claim, reach out to Dean and the team at Margolis Law Firm today at (612) 270-2300.