Motorcyclists have a 35% higher chance of being in an accident than someone driving a car. However, insurance claims will do everything to ensure you don’t get paid. It is important to follow these important steps for filing a motorcycle insurance claim.

Steps for Filing a Motorcycle Insurance Claim

It is important to follow these steps to make sure that you get the most out of your motorcycle claim.

Check for Injuries

After an accident, look yourself or your companion over for injuries. Know that some injuries take a few days to show up.

Call 911

It is important to call 911 after an accident regardless if the injuries do not seem serious. You need to make sure there are medical records of any injuries.

Take Photos

After the accident, make sure you and your bike are at a safe location. If it is okay, then it is important to take photos of the accident. This should be from all sides to show the damage. Take a picture of the driver and all witnesses. Try to keep your helmet in the exact condition it was in after the accident. Photograph it at the scene if possible. This information will be important to proving damages.

Witness Statements

After taking photos, make sure to write down the other driver’s contact and insurance information. Also, make sure to talk to any witnesses and write down their statements and contact information.

Move Your Bike

Even if your bike is completely wrecked, make sure to now move it out of moving traffic. However, if it is not obstructing traffic, leave it for the officer who comes on the scene.

Contact Insurance

After getting all the facts, statements and police report, now you should call your insurance company and notify them of the accident. he police report will be the official document about the accident. The police will interview witnesses, make diagrams of the scene of the accident, and even include notes about weather conditions. This report will help insurance companies decide who is at fault.

When to File a Claim

The time of when to file a claim depends on how much out-of-pocket costs are associated with the accident. The common scenarios of when it is important to file a claim are:

• The accident was your fault, then you will be liable for all the damages.
• Your motorcycle is totaled, the insurance money will be important to fix it.
• The other motorist does not have insurance and you do not have uninsured motorist coverage.
• There are serious injuries to yourself or rider.

It it is important that if you have a claim to file it immediately. Any lag in time will cause the insurance company to deny your claim.

Get Legal Guidance

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you should first seek immediate medical treatment. The Michael Brady Lynch Firm offers free consultations. Getting legal help can put your mind at ease and let you focus on what matters most — getting better.