What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident: Motorcycle Accident Claims

A motorcycle crash is stressful and scary, but knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident protects your safety, rights, and ability to recover damages. Riders in Washington State face unique challenges regarding legal claims and insurance disputes.

Acting quickly after a crash gives you the best chance to recover strongly. Feldman & Lee PS helps injured motorcyclists take the proper steps from the start and pursue the compensation they deserve.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident

What you do in the moments after a crash affects both your recovery and your legal case. Protect yourself and strengthen your claim by taking these immediate steps:

1. Move to a safe location: Get out of traffic if possible, but do not leave the scene.
2. Check for injuries: Prioritize your health. Call 911, even if injuries seem minor.
3. Call emergency services and the police: A police report creates an official record that supports your claim.
4. Take photos: Document the scene, your motorcycle, the other vehicle, visible injuries, and road conditions.
5. Exchange information: Get contact and insurance details from all drivers involved.
6. Speak with witnesses: Collect names and phone numbers—these statements can support your claim.

Taking quick action after a motorcycle accident in Washington gives you more substantial evidence and a more straightforward path to compensation.

More Than Just the Road Rash: Medical Challenges After a Crash

Motorcyclists often suffer serious injuries that require emergency treatment, surgery, and long-term rehabilitation. When you’re rushed to the hospital, you’re not thinking about insurance forms — you’re thinking about survival. But unfortunately, the moment you’re in that ambulance, the legal process has already begun without you.

If you haven’t already, we strongly recommend reading our recent blog post on Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which explains what PIP covers, how it applies (or doesn’t) to motorcyclists, and why understanding your insurance options early is crucial.

Legal Considerations Following a Motorcycle Accident

In Washington State, your words and actions after a crash can directly impact the outcome of your case. Protect your rights by keeping these legal considerations in mind:

• Do not admit fault: Insurance companies may use even a simple apology to weaken your claim.
• Request a copy of the police report. This official record supports your version of events in insurance reviews and legal proceedings.
• Limit your statements: Share basic facts with the police, but avoid speculating about the cause of the accident.
• Notify your insurance company: Provide accurate information without accepting blame.

Strong documentation and legal awareness help build credible motorcycle accident claims. The more thorough and careful you are early on, the more leverage you have during negotiations or legal action.

The One-Sided Police Report Problem

It happens all too often: the motorcyclist is seriously injured and unable to give their side of the story, while the driver, who might be at fault, is left alone with the responding officer. Guess whose version ends up in the official report? We’ve dealt with similar issues while handling cases involving semi-trucks, where truck drivers frequently point the finger at the other driver before the dust even settles. The same bias often plays out against motorcyclists.

Undoing a one-sided or inaccurate police report can be an uphill battle. These reports often carry significant weight with insurance companies and in court, so having an attorney who knows how to challenge them and reconstruct what really happened can make a huge difference in your case.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Motorcycle accidents often result in more severe injuries than car crashes, and unfortunately, riders also face an uphill battle when it comes to both medical recovery and legal representation. Unlike a car accident, where drivers are protected by a metal frame, motorcyclists are far more exposed and vulnerable. As a result, the physical, financial, and legal impact can be devastating, and it’s often made worse by biased assumptions and one-sided reports.

After a motorcycle accident, dealing with insurance companies and legal deadlines can feel overwhelming, especially while recovering from injuries. A personal injury lawyer gives you the support and strategy needed to move forward.

Working with Feldman & Lee PS means you get:

• Legal guidance tailored to your situation
• Help collecting and organizing evidence to support your claim
• Experienced negotiators to deal with insurance companies
• A team that protects your rights and advocates for fair compensation

Having an attorney on your side often leads to faster resolutions and better outcomes. The attorneys at Feldman & Lee PS have handled hundreds of personal injury cases across Washington and use that experience to help clients rebuild with confidence.

Filing Motorcycle Accident Claims in Washington State

Navigating a motorcycle accident in Washington State often involves detailed paperwork, deadlines, and follow-up. These steps help protect your claim and improve your chances of full compensation:

• Report the accident to your insurance provider: Do this promptly, sticking to facts only.
• Document all medical care: Save records, bills, prescriptions, and treatment notes.
• Track time missed from work: Your claim can include lost income.
• Keep a written record: Note your symptoms, pain levels, and recovery progress.
• Avoid quick settlements: Insurance companies may offer less than your case is worth.

Motorcycle accident claims can become complex quickly. A personal injury lawyer helps you navigate disputes, estimate damages accurately, and keep your claim on track.

Protect Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident

Taking the proper steps after a crash protects your health, finances, and future. Quick action gives you more control and stronger legal standing, from documenting the scene to filing a claim. If you sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident in Washington, the attorneys at Feldman & Lee PS will help you take action and protect your rights.

Contact us for personalized legal support and trusted guidance through your motorcycle accident claim.

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