If you’ve spent any time in Houston, you’ve probably noticed something pretty cool: the city’s love for motorcycles. The roads here, with their wide lanes and expansive highways, are perfect for riders who want to enjoy the ride. Not to mention, the weather in Houston is practically made for motorcyclists. There are mild winters, long springs, and summer evenings that seem to go on forever.
But with the great freedom of riding a motorcycle in Houston also comes the undeniable risk. The same sprawling roads and open highways that make the city perfect for motorcyclists can also be dangerous when they’re sharing them with drivers who aren’t always paying attention.
Add to that the unpredictable weather, a bit of road construction, and the fact that Houston is one of the largest cities in the country with some of the worst traffic jams, and you can understand why motorcycle accidents are all too common. This is also the reason why it’s important to be in touch with some of the top motorcycle accident lawyers in Houston.
These lawyers give great advice on the dos and don’ts of a motorcycle accident case. They are well-versed in the complex accident laws of Houston, and it would be in your best interest to abide by whatever advice they offer you.
In this article, we’ll be looking at a few of those dos and don’ts, actions that could make or break your Houston motorcycle accident case.
What You Should Do to Help Your Case
Here are a few of the dos:
- Call the police. Make sure a report is filed. This will be crucial for your case later on.
- Take pictures. You might think that the damage isn’t great, but it’s always better to have too many pictures than not enough. Document everything from the scene of the crash to your bike, including any injuries and damage to surrounding property.
- Gather witness information. If anyone saw the accident happen, get their contact info. These people could be key witnesses in your case.
- Get medical help, even if you think you’re fine. Motorcycle accident injuries can be deceptive. Sometimes, injuries don’t show up right away, and it’s essential to get a checkup, even if you feel okay.
What You Must Never Do
Here are some of the things you must never do after your accident or during the claims process in general:
Speak to the Other Party’s Insurance Company Without Consulting a Lawyer
Just because you’re not at fault doesn’t mean the other party’s insurance company has your best interests at heart. In fact, their goal is to pay you as little as possible, even if they are responsible for the crash.
When you’re hurt, it’s tempting to just get everything over with and hope for a quick payout. However, speaking directly to an insurance adjuster without legal representation can backfire in huge ways.
The adjuster may try to trick you into saying something that will weaken your case or even offer you a settlement that seems like a good deal at the time but is far below what you deserve.
Settling Too Quickly
A big trap many people fall into after an accident is accepting a quick settlement offer from the insurance company. It might seem tempting because you just want the whole thing to be over with, but settling too early could cost you in the long run.
The thing is, once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back and ask for more money later if your injuries turn out to be worse than you initially thought. Insurance companies know this, so they’ll often try to offer you a quick payout to close the case.
But you might be leaving money on the table, especially if your medical bills are still piling up or you haven’t fully recovered yet.
Before agreeing to any settlement, talk to a lawyer who can help you understand what’s really at stake. They can guide you through the process and ensure that you’re not making a decision that will hurt your long-term well-being.
