Motorcycle accidents cause catastrophic injuries and deaths. In 2023, a motorcycle crash occurred in North Dakota about every two days. The state reports 195 motorcycle accidents that year, including 158 injury crashes and 16 fatal accidents.
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you could receive compensation for your injuries. However, it is crucial to take steps to protect your rights. In this blog, our North Dakota personal injury attorneys discuss what not to do after a motorcycle accident to help protect your rights.
Five Things Not to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in North Dakota
Motorcyclists are often unfairly blamed for causing crashes. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to avoid these five things:
Admitting Fault
Insurance companies use comparative negligence to avoid paying a fair amount for a motorcycle claim. Therefore, it is vital that you avoid saying anything that could imply you contributed to the cause of your accident.
North Dakota’s comparative fault law states that a victim who is 50% or more at fault for an accident cannot recover damages. If you are less than 50% to blame, your damages are reduced by your level of fault. The best way to protect your rights is to allow an attorney to handle all communications with the insurance company.
Delaying Medical Treatment
A common mistake riders make is failing to seek prompt medical treatment after a motorcycle accident. Refusing medical care at the accident scene could raise questions about whether the accident caused your injuries. Always seek a doctor immediately after a crash and follow through with the treatment plan.
Accepting an Insurance Settlement Without Consulting an Attorney
Insurance companies generally offer low settlements to tempt injured victims to settle their claims before they realize how much their case is worth. When you sign a settlement agreement, you waive your right to file a lawsuit or pursue additional claims, even if you realize you have more damages. Therefore, allowing an attorney to review your case is always in your best interest before you accept a settlement offer.
Destroying Evidence
Most riders want to repair their motorcycle as soon as possible after an accident. However, there could be evidence that could help prove your claim. Preserve the motorcycle until you speak with an attorney about your claim. Depending on the circumstances, your attorney may want to have the motorcycle inspected by an expert.
Failing to Seek Legal Advice
Motorcycle accident cases can involve complicated matters. Riders may sustain catastrophic injuries that result in life-altering impairments. The rider may be entitled to future damages for ongoing medical care, pain, and emotional distress. An attorney can help you retain medical specialists, financial professionals, and other experts to value damages correctly.
Insurance companies often use preconceived biases against motorcyclists to blame them for the accident. Experienced attorneys understand this tactic and prepare to fight allegations of contributory fault.
Learn More During a Free Consultation With a North Dakota Personal Injury Attorney
You deserve to be compensated fairly for the damages and harm caused by a negligent driver. Call Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced North Dakota personal injury attorney. We have offices in Minot and Grand Forks. We represent clients throughout Devils Lake, Bismarck, Rugby, and Fargo.
