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If you are injured in an Oregon motorcycle accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Oregon is a fault-based accident state, requiring negligent drivers to pay for their victims’ damages through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
However, motorcyclists are often subject to additional scrutiny during the claims process—and the actions you take immediately after the collision can have profound impacts on your case. In the aftermath of your motorcycle accident, take the following steps to protect yourself and your right to compensation.
The first step you should take after a motorcycle collision is to call 911. This will bring law enforcement and emergency medical services to the scene. Calling 911 will serve several important purposes after your accident; if you are severely injured, you can receive the treatment you need. Additionally, the responding officer will create an accident report that you can use as evidence in your future claim.
The police report will contain several important pieces of information, such as the names of involved parties, information about any witnesses in the area, and where the accident occurred. The officer will also write down his or her assessment of the collision based on the evidence he or she saw. You can use the report to prove the at-fault driver’s liability and establish key facts about the accident in your case.
Next, you should seek medical attention for the injuries you sustained in the accident in Portland. You should always go to the doctor after a motorcycle collision, even if you do not feel injured. Your medical records will serve as important pieces of evidence in your claim, and it is important to secure this documentation as soon as possible. You may also have underlying injuries that you are not aware of yet, and seeking treatment can help you avoid life-threatening complications.
Additionally, failure to seek medical attention after a motorcycle accident could harm your future case. The insurance company may use failure to seek treatment against you, saying that your injuries are not serious or that you are not being truthful in your claim. The company may then use this information to reduce or deny your award. Always seek treatment after a collision, and save all records related to your treatment and injuries.
If you are able to move around the scene of the accident without putting yourself at risk of danger or worsening injuries, take the time to document key pieces of evidence. Take photographs from as many angles as possible of your injuries, property damage, and the area around the collision. Make sure to photograph any debris, skid marks, or traffic signs and signals in the area.
Exchange license, insurance, and contact details with the other driver. Keep your interaction brief and do not make any statements about your injuries or how the accident occurred. If there are any witnesses who saw the accident, ask them for their names and contact information. You could ask these individuals to provide testimony in your case and validate your version of events.
After you receive treatment for your injuries, contact a Portland motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your case and legal options. A lawyer can provide several benefits to your claim and guide you through the process, advocating for your best interests during each stage. Speak to an attorney as soon as possible to initiate your motorcycle accident claim.
