Motorcycle accidents can turn your life upside down in seconds. If you’ve been through one, you already know how painful, confusing, and stressful it can be.
While getting medical help is the first step, many people don’t realize how important it is to understand the process of filing a claim. If you want to get fair compensation after a motorcycle accident in Baton Rouge, you need to know the key factors that can affect your motorcycle accident claim. You have to be extra careful with your claim in Baton Rouge, where traffic is crowded and accidents are common.
To make things easier, you should contact a Baton Rouge motorcycle accident attorney. Engagements with the insurance company may be hard on your own, but having a seasoned attorney on your side will make all of the difference.
The factors that affect your motorcycle accident claim are listed below.
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1. Your Injuries Are Severe
The seriousness of your injuries plays a big role in how much money you can get. If your injuries are minor, like a few cuts or bruises, your claim may not be worth much. But if you break bones, suffer from head injuries, or need surgery, your claim is worth more. The compensation is usually based on hospital records, doctor’s reports, and medical bills considered by insurance companies.
In a big city like Baton Rouge, motorcycle accidents can leave victims seriously injured by the amount of traffic and fast cars. Track your medical treatment and save all bills. It helps prove how badly you were hurt.
2. Who Was at Fault?
An important question insurance companies look at first is who caused the accident. You will have a better case if the other driver was clearly at fault. But if you were partly responsible, it reduces the amount you get.
As an example, if you were not wearing a helmet or maybe speeding, the insurance provider may well claim that you are also liable. They use a rule in Baton Rouge called “comparative fault.” That means if you are found partly responsible, that percentage will reduce your claim amount.
3. Whether You Sought Medical Help Immediately
Sometimes, people feel fine right after an accident and delay going to the doctor. This can hurt your claim badly. Insurance companies may say that you were not seriously hurt because you didn’t see a doctor right away.
In Baton Rouge, where motorcycle accidents frequently happen on freeways, emergency services are usually quick to respond. Still, it’s your job to visit a physician after the crash and stick to all medical advice. Quick medical attention helps heal and strengthens your claim.
4. Quality of Evidence
The foundation of a successful motorcycle accident claim is evidence. Gather as much information as possible immediately after the accident. Photograph the accident scene, your injuries, your motorcycle, and the other vehicle. Name and contact details of witnesses, if any.
Many busy areas in Baton Rouge have cameras installed. Sometimes, video footage from traffic cameras or businesses nearby can also help your case. An experienced attorney knows how to locate such evidence.
5. Time Limits for Filing Your Claim
Each state has a deadline for filing motorcycle accident claims – the “statute of limitations.” You usually have just one year from the time of the accident to bring a lawsuit. Missing this deadline means you will not receive any compensation at all. Because Baton Rouge courts follow strict rules like these, you should act quickly after your accident. The sooner you speak to an attorney, the better.
Final Thoughts
A motorcycle accident is scary and stressful. But understanding what factors impact your claim might enable you to make the correct choices. You have no friends in insurance companies. They’re businesses trying to save money. They may offer you a quick settlement, but it probably won’t be enough to cover all your damages.
In case you reside in Baton Rouge and would like the best outcome, do not attempt to do everything on your own. Talk with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.