In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident in Laredo, TX, it can be difficult to know what to do first, especially with looming financial concerns. Being underprepared at the accident scene and in the weeks to follow is one of the key factors that attorneys note in cases where victims received compensation far below what their claim was really worth.
The Texas motorcycle attorneys at Carabin Shaw have won thousands of personal injury and wrongful death cases for Texans in the firm’s 30-year history. We know what to do during each stage of your case, and will keep you involved throughout the entire process. Read Carabin Shaw’s client reviews to hear from other people we’ve fought and won for. We also offer free consultations and initial evaluations because you deserve to have as much information as possible before securing representation.
What follows is a list of common mistakes that motorcycle accident victims make, offered in the hopes that you might avoid them and begin recovering both physically and financially:
1. Choosing Not to File a Police Report or Delaying in Calling the PoliceThe police report is an essential document in wrongful death and personal injury cases. It is a presentation of the key details of the accident as well as your chance to tell the story from your perspective. It also contains the insurance information of everyone involved, which you will use when you pursue a claim with an insurance company.
2. Not Seeing a Doctor or Attending Every Medical AppointmentEven if you feel your injuries are minor, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible after your Laredo motorcycle crash. Small injuries can sometimes hide more extensive damage and, if neglected, can develop into chronic pain or disability later in life.
Additionally, you need to attend every scheduled appointment during your recovery. Insurance adjusters will look for any reason to reduce your compensation and can argue that your pain is gone if you stop attending your appointments.
3. Failing to Keep Good Records of the Accident and Your RecoveryYou need to obtain a copy of your police report; reports filed with the Laredo Police Department can be found here. You need to also take note of your symptoms and pain following the accident and during your recovery. This will help you better communicate with your doctors and is vital for the most accurate assessment of your case. Try to write down the dates and details of your appointments as well as information regarding how your injuries have affected your ability to work and move through your daily life.
4. Not Obtaining Representation for Your CaseWhile it is possible to handle some claims where no serious injury or damages occurred without representation, it is almost always more effective to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you get the justice you deserve. At Carabin Shaw, we can help you plan and document your recovery, and we’ll fight aggressively for the compensation you need.
5. Not Knowing the Details of Your Auto Insurance PolicyNo one can be expected to know every detail of every clause in their auto insurance policy, which makes it all the more important to have an attorney look through your policy as soon as possible following a motorcycle accident.
There are many requirements and deadlines pertaining to particulars of the accident that can be hard to make sense of alone. We’d love to take a look at your policy to make sure you’re filing at the right time and not losing out on important coverage.
Carabin Shaw Fights for Laredo Riders | Free Case ReviewCarabin Shaw attorneys have a demonstrated history of winning cases for motorcyclists all over Texas, and we’re ready to help you in Laredo. We have staff available 24/7 to speak with you in English and Spanish. Call us toll-free at 800-862-1260 to learn more.