If you have suffered a motorcycle accident in California, here are ten steps you can take to strengthen your case:
1. Seek immediate medical attention: Ask to have 911 called immediately if you are bleeding, have hit your head, or suspect internal injuries or broken bones. Make sure you receive timely and professional treatment for your injury. Some people believe it is a sign of strength to continue working after they have been injured. In this case, doing so can hurt your chances of receiving full compensation and eventually hurt you and your family financially. It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help.
2. Do not make any statements: After informing persons that you need medical attention, do not discuss your injury or make formal statements except to your doctor or legal advisor. This includes statements in writing, over the phone, or in person. Make sure you check with your California personal injury lawyer to protect your rights.
3. Take pictures: Pictures of your physical injuries and the accident scene can provide good documentation for a potential California personal injury lawsuit. Broken pavement, debris, or whatever it was that caused your injury should be documented before it is cleaned away. This includes vehicles involved in the accident. Show property damage and take photos of anything that can prove ownership such as license plates and signage.
4. Document witnesses: Ask all witnesses to provide their names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails.
5. Sketch the accident scene: SDocument the date and time of the accident on the drawing. Include relevant information about the location of objects that contributed to your injury. In vehicle accidents, note intersections, street names, stop lights or traffic control signs. Your drawing does not have to be a work of art. Just try to capture the main elements.
6. Obtain a copy of the police report: Secure a police report if there is an emergency response to your accident. It may take a few days for the report to be available. Read it carefully so you can point out discrepancies to your attorney.
7. Track medical expenses: Make a folder or an envelope and keep all your records of doctor office visits, medications, laboratory tests, physical therapy prescriptions, hospital visits, medical records, diagnostic services including x-rays and scans in one place. Try to keep a list of all your medical treatments. Be sure to include the names of your medical providers, the dates of your appointments, amount charged, and the reasons for seeing the doctor.
8. Keep all medical evidence: Save all medicine containers, therapeutic braces, casts, and any other medical supplies prescribed by your doctor.
9. Document lost work or school time: Keep a list of all days of absence you have been forced to take due to your personal injury. Include lost wages per week and/or lost school time as well.
10. Track all out-of-pocket expenses related to taking care of your injuries. If you were injured in a vehicle while at work or performing a work-related activity, document all expenses related to the repair of your vehicle. Also include additional transportation costs, such as the use of a rental car. Maintain a record of all receipts related to your injury. This includes all "out-of-pocket" expenses such as heating pads, ace bandages, child-care expenses, cancellation of a vacation trip or event, clothing, etc.
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If you need the best motorcycle accident lawyer in California who will provide you with the best possible representation and results, please call our toll-free hotline or send us an email. Our motorcycle accident attorneys are available 24/7 to help you throughout California, including Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, Fresno, Bakersfield, Sacramento, and everywhere in between.