Motorcycle riding can be a thrilling and liberating experience. But it can also be very dangerous. It’s crucial to know the mistakes you should avoid when you negotiate a settlement after an accident on your motorcycle. Here are five mistakes you should avoid when negotiating a settlement for a motorcycle accident injury and how to deal with them effectively.
Mistake # 1: Failure to document everything
Documenting everything is one of the most common mistakes made by people when they are negotiating for a settlement after a motorcycle accident. Keep track of your medical bills, accident expenses, and other costs related to your injuries. You may settle for less money than you deserve if you don’t track all your expenses.
Keep a detailed account of all expenses related to the accident. Included in this are doctor’s visits, prescriptions and physical therapy. Organize your notes. Organize all printed receipts in one folder to avoid losing them. Print out the hard copy of an email if you want to keep it together.
Take pictures of any injuries you sustain, including the ones that are still healing, as well as damage to your bike, and other evidence relevant to your case, such a location, skid marks and the time. If possible, take a photo of your watch, or take a screenshot of your phone to show the time.
Mistake # 2: Rushing Settlement Process
A common mistake is to rush the settlement process. You may rush the process because you want to end the dispute as soon as possible, or if the insurance company of the other party is pressing you to do so. You may end up getting less money if you settle too soon.
Do it better: Settlements should not be rushed. It is important to take your time if you want the best possible outcome. Be sure you’ve fully recovered from your injury before making any decisions. You’ll be able to see all the losses and costs you have incurred as a result of your injuries. Do not settle for anything less than what you deserve to end the matter quickly. Negotiating patiently will ensure that all expenses are covered, and you get a fair settlement.
Mistake # 3: Consult with an attorney
Most people do not consult an attorney because they believe they can handle the case on their own, or they don’t wish to pay for legal fees. A common misconception is that an attorney is not needed if there are only minor injuries or no injuries at all.
Do it better: Consult an attorney with experience in motorcycle accident cases if you are involved in a motorcycle crash. A lawyer can guide you through the settlement process, ensuring that you receive a fair settlement. There’s nothing wrong with speaking to an attorney for a consultation. A lawyer with experience can help you to understand your rights, and make sure you get a fair settlement. With the help of an experienced attorney, even a minor injury can result in a substantial settlement.
Mistake #4: Accepting first offer
Accepting the first offer you receive is another common mistake. The insurance companies often offer you a lowball first offer in the hope that you will accept it to end your settlement. Accepting the first offer could mean that you are settling for less money than you deserve.
Do it better: Never accept the first proposal that is made to you. Negotiate a higher settlement. An attorney is particularly useful in this situation, as they will help you negotiate a fair settlement to ensure you don’t settle for less than what you deserve. When negotiating for a fair settlement, the attorney will consider all costs; including medical costs and damages.
Mistake #5 – Failing to consider future costs
Many people also make the mistake of not considering future costs in negotiations for a settlement after a motorcycle accident. They may accept a settlement that covers current costs but does not include future expenses, such as medical care or lost wages in the event of an injury.
Negotiating a settlement is better done by considering future costs. Consider future costs, such as ongoing medical care, physical therapy, medications, and lost wages. This is another area where an attorney’s help can be invaluable, as they will help you to anticipate future costs, and negotiate a settlement which takes these costs into consideration. A lawyer can also help you understand long-term consequences of your injury and ensure you don’t settle for less than what you deserve.
The article 5 common mistakes to avoid in your motorcycle accident injury settlement negotiation first appeared on Attorney at Law Magazine.