Filing an insurance claim could be the last thing on your mind after your motorcycle accident. Other things have taken precedence, like your health and mental well-being. However, the sooner you get the ball rolling on your claim, the sooner you can pursue damages. That said, you should file a claim as soon as reasonably possible after a motorcycle accident.
You don’t want to wait too long after your collision to start the insurance claims process. The longer you wait, the greater the chance of forgetting key details, losing evidence, and earning the mistrust of the insurance company.
You Should File Your Motorcycle Accident Claim as Soon as Possible
You should file your claim at your earliest convenience because:
You Need as Much Supporting Evidence as Possible
A good portion of your motorcycle accident claim will rely on your ability to recall the events that led up to the collision. You will need to recount your actions, as well as:
- Details about the roadway’s traffic conditions, traffic lights, and signals
- The time of day
- Your state of mind
- What happened immediately following the collision
- The treatment you received at the accident scene
- Whether any roadway hazards caused your collision
Inaccurate information makes it harder to get to the truth—even if you honestly believed and asserted something false. Poor information draws out the investigation and ultimately drags out your claim.
Important Evidence Could Get Lost with Time
The more time passes, the greater the risk of losing evidence. If there was any evidence left to be examined at the scene, it will degrade over time. Further, as time goes on, people forget key details, traffic camera footage gets deleted, and complications arise. By filing your claim promptly, you preserve evidence that could support your case.
The Liable Insurance Company May Suspect Fraud
The liable insurance company may question your motives if you don’t file a claim within a reasonable amount of time. It may ask: “If you are truly injured, why did you wait to file a claim?”
Of course, there are a number of legitimate reasons that could cause you to delay reporting your accident. Yet, you don’t want to give the adjuster any reason to discredit your case. This could make it difficult to negotiate a settlement or pursue the financial recovery you need.
You Risk Missing the Statute of Limitations’ Filing Deadline
Perhaps the most crucial reason to file a motorcycle accident claim as soon as possible is the state’s filing deadline. IC § 34-11-2-4 notes that you generally have two years to file your lawsuit. There is no guarantee that the insurer will pay for your losses.
So, filing a lawsuit may be necessary when seeking damages. Yet, if the two-year deadline runs out, you could lose the right to seek financial recovery.
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An Insurance Claim Is Not the Same as a Lawsuit
Keep in mind that Indiana’s statute of limitations applies to lawsuits, not insurance claims. The liable insurer will have its own deadline for accepting injury claims. Generally, insurers want to know about collisions as soon as they happen. A claim’s deadline could be a matter of weeks or months after your collision.
There is no need to fear starting the claims process. A motorcycle accident lawyer can manage everything litigation entails.
Initiating the Claims Process Allows You to Seek These Damages
After your motorcycle accident, you likely want compensation as soon as possible. Financial recovery in your case could account for your healthcare expenses, pain and suffering, and more. By starting the claims process, you set your case in motion, allowing you to seek damages. As noted, it also prevents the liable insurer from contesting your case.
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You Can Entrust the Claims Process to a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
You can shed your fears about starting the claims process when you partner with an attorney. They have one goal: to recover compensation for your hardships, whether through a claim or lawsuit. They will:
- Gather evidence to support your right to damages
- Evaluate your damages’ cost
- Negotiate a settlement
- Review the liable policy
- Establish fault for your accident
- Manage all communications with the claims adjuster
Your lawyer can also advise you on your next steps. For instance, they can share whether giving the insurer a recorded statement could benefit you. They can also suggest healthcare providers and how you can protect your rights.
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Call Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. for More Information
You should initiate a claim as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident. Yet, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. A motorcycle accident lawyer from Sevenish Law Firm, P.C. can seek recovery for your losses.
Put your case in our hands while you rest and recover. We’ve secured numerous substantial settlements and awards for clients all over the state. Call us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Call or text 317-636-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
