In Louisiana, all motorcyclists must carry some form of motorcycle insurance to protect both the driver and anyone else involved in an accident. Motorcycle insurance includes liability coverage for both bodily injury and property damage.
If you were recently involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to file an accident claim regardless of whether the accident was your fault. Getting your claim approved could ensure you receive a payout to cover damages to your vehicle and medical bills. However, this all depends on the type of motorcycle insurance you have and if you have a good motorcycle accident lawyer on your side.
Read on for tips about filing a motorcycle accident claim in Louisiana.
What to do at the accident site
If you were in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to first call 911 and have a police officer take a report. Ask for an ambulance if you or the other driver needs medical attention.
While waiting for the officer to arrive, gather evidence of the accident by taking pictures and/or a video of the scene from multiple angles and perspectives. Get the other driver’s information, including their name, address, phone number, license plate number, and insurance information.
Get in touch with your insurance company
Next, contact your insurance company. Give them specifics about the accident as well as the other driver’s insurance information.
After your insurance company files the claim, it will assign an adjuster to your case. This adjuster will want to see all the evidence you collected from the scene of the accident. You may also have to send other documents, including medical records and employment records.
This adjuster may try to put as much blame on you as possible, which is why it’s best to work with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer who can push back against these tactics and advocate for you.
Should I file a motorcycle claim?
Sometimes paying for repairs out of your pocket is more cost-effective than filing an insurance claim. Insurance premium rates go up, on average, around 28 percent after filing a claim. That’s why it’s important to weigh your options first.
That said, there are many situations in which filing an insurance claim is the best option.
You can be held liable if the accident was your fault, in which case it’s best to file an insurance claim. Filing an insurance claim is also your best option if you or the other driver experienced any injuries, as the costs of medical bills will almost certainly exceed your deductible. Similarly, repair costs that greatly outweigh the cost of your deductible almost always warrant filing an insurance claim.
Speak with a professional attorney
Filing a motorcycle accident claim can be a daunting process, seek the assistance of a helpful, experienced motorcycle accident attorney. At Mark Artall, APLC, we aim to maximize your compensation following a motorcycle accident. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.