The moments that follow a motorcycle accident in El Paso can be extremely chaotic. You may be dealing with serious injuries on top of a damaged bike and the stress of not knowing what comes next. However, for better or worse, the steps you take right after the crash can significantly impact any legal claims you may be entitled to file down the road.
Texas law allows you to pursue compensation from the party responsible for your injuries, but the process isn’t automatic. Knowing what to do in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can help you protect your rights from the very beginning.
What Steps Should I Take at the Scene?
The immediate aftermath of a motorcycle crash is stressful to say the least, but staying as calm as possible can help you avoid costly mistakes. Keep the following in mind:
- Call 911 so that law enforcement can respond and create an official accident report. This document can become a key piece of evidence for your claim.
- Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel okay at first. Many motorcycle accident injuries don’t show symptoms immediately, and a delay in treatment can hurt both your health and your case.
- Collect evidence at the scene if you are physically able to do so. Take photos of the damage to your motorcycle, the other vehicle, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Get contact information from any witnesses who saw the crash happen. Their accounts could prove valuable later.
- Do not apologize for the accident or accept any blame. Well-meaning comments could still be used against you by an insurance company.
The more you can document in those early moments, the better positioned you’ll be when it comes time to file your claim.
Dealing With the Insurance Companies After a Motorcycle Crash
Most motorcycle accident cases in Texas begin as insurance claims; the at-fault driver’s liability coverage is typically the first source of potential compensation. However, it’s important to understand that the insurance company is not looking out for your best interests.
Insurers are in the business of minimizing what they pay out so that they can maintain their profits and may try to blame you for the crash, at least partially. If possible, avoid speaking with the other driver’s insurance company before consulting with a lawyer. An experienced personal injury lawyer can handle those communications and push back against lowball offers on your behalf.
How Much Time Do I Have To File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
Texas has a two-year statute of limitations for most motorcycle accident lawsuits. That means you must file your lawsuit in court within two years of the date of your crash to be eligible for compensation.
However, note that there are exceptions that can change this time limit for some cases. Seeking legal advice as soon as you can is the best way to protect your right to take legal action against the responsible party.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in El Paso for a Free Consultation
Were you injured in a motorcycle accident in El Paso, Texas? You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. Cal Mundell Law Firm, PLLC is here to help you make the most of your opportunity to file a claim.
Call us today at (915) 285-4626 today to schedule a free consultation. We’re confident we can help you secure the results you’re looking for.