If you are wondering what steps you might need to be taking after engaging in a motorcycle accident in the city of Springfield, MA, we can provide you with some useful information. USAttorneys.com not only provides accident victims with up-front information, but we will also work to get you connected with a local accident and injury attorney in Springfield, MA free of charge.
What should I do after engaging in a motorcycle accident?
Motorcycle accidents should be handled in the same manner as a car accident. However, sometimes these types of incidents are harsh and cause serious injury and damage leaving a motorcyclist unconscious and unable to move. There are two ways this can go. If you are conscious and able to move, call 911 and have them come out so they can write up a report for your accident. This report is important for your claim so be sure you get a copy when it becomes available to you.
The next thing you want to do is take down all the information of the other driver. Their name, phone number, vehicle and insurance information, and any witness statements you can get. Sometimes, motorcyclists are accused of being reckless and inconsiderate to other drivers and you want to be sure your insurance company gets all the facts regarding the accident.
If you can take photos of the accident scene and your injuries, that too will be useful for your accident claim. Now, if you weren’t conscious after your accident and weren’t able to collect all the information you wanted, you should be able to get a good deal of it from your police report.
It is essential that you also contact your insurance company so they can begin working on your claim. One thing to be mindful of before accepting anything from your insurance company is that the offer they provide to you for your injuries and/or damage is fair. Insurance companies are known to be deceitful and provide low ball offers to victims of accidents. And once you accept a settlement amount, there is a slim chance anything else can be done.
Our accident lawyers in Springfield, MA are work with insurance companies regarding claims on a daily basis so they know when a claims adjuster isn’t providing you with the amounts you truly are entitled to.
What are the insurance requirements for a motorcyclist in the state of Massachusetts?
Currently, the state of Massachusetts requires that every motorcycle driver carry the minimum coverage. Esurance states the minimum coverage includes:
- $20,000 bodily injury per person.
- $40,000 bodily injury per incident.
- $5,000 property damage per incident.
Knowing what your insurance limits are and what they should be is extremely important. Because Massachusetts follows the no-fault insurance law, that means your own insurance company is responsible for covering the damages you have incurred after your accident, regardless of fault.
Now, if you aren’t carrying the right type of coverage or didn’t purchase adequate protection, you could lose out on receiving the funds that are necessary to cover your vehicle repair bill as well as any medical bills that have come up. Therefore, it might be wise to check with your insurance agent and ask them what they are going to cover, whether or not you have a deductible, and what is required of you to receive the money to cover these expenses that have accrued.
If you are seeking help with this or feel your accident qualifies you to file a lawsuit to recover more compensation, our Springfield, MA accident lawyers are here to work with you.