When walking throughout the streets of California, you have a reasonable expectation of being safe from vehicles. Drivers and motorcyclists must yield to pedestrians as they are more vulnerable to sustaining severe injuries in a collision. If a motorcycle hits you as a pedestrian, the aftermath can be overwhelming, but the steps you take can be vital to your case. Contacting the attorneys at Setareh Law should be one of the first things you do after being struck by a motorcycle in California.
What Should I Do if a Motorcycle Hits Me?
There are few things more traumatic than being hit by a vehicle as a pedestrian. Not only will the victim suffer from severe physical injuries, but they may also suffer from emotional and psychological injuries. The financial burden can also add another layer of stress. When a vehicle hits you while walking, there are six steps you must follow to protect your legal rights.
Call the Police
The immediate aftermath of being hit by a motorcycle can be disorienting, but you should immediately call the police. They will write an incident report detailing the collision and circumstances leading up to it. Additionally, your California injury attorney will likely need to review the police report to build your case.
Document the Accident Scene and Your Recovery
Take as many photos of the accident scene as possible, including injuries, road hazards, weather conditions, and the motorcycle’s location. It will be harder for insurers and the other party’s attorney to argue with photographic evidence. Additionally, it will help to obtain information from witnesses. They may have seen the crash occur and can provide crucial details regarding the collision.
In addition, you should document your recovery with photos and a journal. It can show how severe your injuries were and how long it took to recover. The evidence may help determine how much compensation you deserve.
Do Not Discuss Fault
Regardless of who you believe was at fault for the crash, do not discuss liability at the accident scene. The other party’s insurance company can use anything you say at the accident scene against you, so never discuss fault. It is best to only speak about contact information when talking to the other party. Simply saying “I’m fine” can harm your chances of obtaining financial compensation.
Seek Medical Attention
After being struck by a vehicle, you should seek medical attention. A pedestrian might sustain injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, cuts, internal bleeding, and organ damage. Additionally, our bodies create excessive amounts of adrenaline after being in an accident, masking the pain. Once adrenaline levels return to normal, you may begin to feel immense pain. A doctor can also diagnose any internal injuries.
Furthermore, scheduling a doctor’s appointment may aid your injury claim. Insurers typically interpret not speaking to a medical professional as you exaggerating your injuries, which could cause them to deny your claim.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your provider if you have car insurance. Even though you were a pedestrian, most car accident policies cover these accidents. However, you should speak to an attorney before speaking to the insurance company.
Seek Legal Assistance
The motorcyclist’s attorney or insurance company will try to place fault on you and deny any claims you file, so having the assistance of a California pedestrian accident attorney will be beneficial. Dealing with an injury claim on your own can be complex, especially if you are not familiar with California’s personal injury laws. An injury attorney knows the ins and outs of these cases and can work to hold the negligent party accountable.
Speak to the Setareh Law Firm Today
If a motorcycle hits you or someone you know in California, contact Setareh Law. We know that this is a stressful time for you, and our attorneys will do everything possible to make a claim process as straightforward as possible. To schedule a free consultation, call (310) 659-1826 or complete our contact form today.