What to Do After an Injury in Greeley: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you have been in an accident in Greenley, Colorado, contacting a Greeley motorcycle accident attorney is the best thing you can do!

Accidents can happen in different ways, whether driving your car, riding a motorcycle or bike or suffering a slip and fall at a local Greeley establishment. When you first suffer an injury, you may be full of pain and not know what to do.

This step-by-step guide walks you through what you need to do after you’ve been injured in an accident caused by another person’s negligent actions.

Greeley Motorcycle Accident Attorney: Do You Need Them?

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Greeley, one of the first questions you might ask is, “Do I really need a motorcycle accident attorney?”

The short answer: Yes, you do. But let’s dive into why hiring an experienced attorney could make all the difference.

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating. Not only are you dealing with physical injuries, but there are also emotional, financial, and legal hurdles to overcome. Insurance companies may seem helpful at first.

However, their ultimate goal is to save money—not to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. That’s where a skilled motorcycle accident attorney steps in.

An attorney specializing in motorcycle accidents understands the nuances of these cases. They can help you:

• Navigate Complex Laws: Colorado has specific traffic and liability laws; understanding these is crucial. Your attorney will know how these laws apply to your case, ensuring they are able to protect your rights.
• Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Insurers often offer lowball settlements, hoping you’ll accept less than you deserve. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf. Furthermore, they will ensure you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Prove Liability: In motorcycle accidents, proving fault can be challenging. An experienced lawyer will gather evidence like police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction data to build a strong case for you.
• Handle Legal Paperwork: Legal claims involve a lot of paperwork and deadlines. Missing even one deadline could jeopardize your case. Your attorney will manage all these details, giving you peace of mind.

Hiring a Greeley motorcycle accident attorney isn’t just about legal expertise. It’s about having someone in your corner who genuinely cares about your recovery and future. They’ll take the pressure off you so you can focus on healing.

Things to Do After Motorcycle Accident in Greeley

Now that you know why you need an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Greeley, it is time to know something really important: what to do after the accident!

Here are some of the things that you must keep in mind:

Step 1: Report the Accident

In motor vehicle accidents, you may initially be confused since one minute you are driving, and the next, you feel an impact.

While it can be scary, you should remain calm and assess the situation. If you are in imminent danger, move out of harm’s way and call 911 immediately.

The police will respond to the accident scene. Furthermore, they will help move disabled vehicles while summoning emergency medical services to treat your injuries.

They will also conduct a brief investigation and capture evidence while logging it in a police report. If the other driver violated traffic laws, they may receive a citation. This will also be indicated on the police report.

If you were injured on someone else’s property, reporting your accident and injury may not require notifying the police. For example, if you slipped and fell at your favorite Greeley restaurant, you’d need to get the owner or manager to file an accident report.

Their insurance will be responsible for covering the costs of your injuries. Ensure you get a copy of this report before leaving the premises.

Step 2: Seek Immediate Medical Care

Regardless of the type of accident you’ve been in, you need to get prompt medical treatment for your injuries.

In some cases, it will be obvious that you are hurt. You may have heavy bleeding or be unable to move one of your limbs. Serious injuries will likely result in your immediate transport to the nearest emergency room.

What if you don’t think you’re hurt? You should still seek medical care right away. Injuries that aren’t life-threatening can usually be treated at an urgent care center.

You can also visit your doctor. If they can’t see you immediately, go to a clinic to have your injuries assessed and documented.

Treating injuries immediately following your accident prevents them from worsening. Furthermore, it helps detect any less obvious issues, such as internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries.

Additionally, your treatments will establish medical records on the date of the accident, providing the necessary proof you need to file an injury claim.

If that accident has hurt you, you will likely need to visit specialists and have follow-up appointments. You must follow all doctors’ orders, including finishing any course of medication prescribed, even when you start feeling better.

Failing to follow the advised medical care could give the insurance company a reason to deny your injury claim or reduce your settlement amount.

Step 3: Gather Evidence

Evidence is important when filing an injury claim. You could also need it if you need to file a lawsuit to recover your compensation.

After a car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian accident, if you are capable of taking photos and videos, be thorough in capturing the accident scene.

Witnesses can also provide details about what they saw, and it is ideal to get their contact information and a statement as additional proof.

In situations that involve injuries that occur on another person’s property or at a place of business, you should take photos and videos of the hazard that caused you harm.

The owner may try to clean things up or make repairs; without photos, it may be your word against theirs. 

Step 4: Contact the Insurers

In traffic accidents, you must report the accident to your insurer. The state of Colorado follows an at-fault insurance model. However, you must let your insurance carrier know there was a crash.

The other party may try to blame you and attempt a third-party claim. So it is important, according to the policy, that you let your insurance company know.

You’ll also need to claim with the other driver’s insurance company. When speaking to insurance agents, always stick to the facts. Never speculate, admit fault, or provide lengthy details, as these can be used against you to reduce or deny your settlement.

The insurance company might be prompt with a response and a settlement offer. They may even say they agree you weren’t at fault in this incident, and while it may feel like a huge relief to be offered money quickly, examine it first.

The initial settlement offer is often far too low to cover the expenses you’ve already incurred and it won’t be enough to take care of your future medical costs, lost wages, and other losses. 

Step 5: Hire a Personal Injury Attorney to Handle Your Injury Claim

The most important step you can take is to hire a personal injury lawyer in Greeley to help you process your injury claim. If you have sustained serious injuries, you should not try to navigate the complex claims process or take on legal action alone when the insurer rejects your claim.

Hiring an attorney allows you to fully rest and work on healing from your injuries while your lawyer handles the details of your case.

If you have been offered a settlement, bring it to a lawyer so they can review the full extent of your damages before you sign the release.

Chances are high that the offer is too low, and your attorney will negotiate to get you what is fair. 

Serious injuries caused by someone else’s negligence deserve to be compensated. A lawyer can investigate what happened, gather evidence that you could not get to the accident scene, and advocate for you to help right all the wrongs done to you. 

Question to Ask Your Greeley Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Choosing the right attorney can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with the aftermath of an accident. To make the process easier, ask these essential questions during your initial consultation:

Do You Specialize in Motorcycle Accident Cases?

Not all personal injury attorneys have experience with motorcycle accidents. Ask about their track record of handling cases similar to yours. A specialist will understand motorcyclists’ unique challenges, such as bias from other drivers or insurers.

What is Your Fee Structure?

Most motorcycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Clarify what percentage of your settlement will go toward legal fees and if there are any upfront costs.

How Many Cases Like Mine Have You Handled?

Experience matters. An attorney who has successfully handled many motorcycle accident cases will be better equipped to anticipate challenges and navigate them effectively.

What is Your Strategy For My Case?

A good attorney will outline their approach to your case, from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurers or going to trial if necessary. Their strategy should reflect your priorities and the unique circumstances of your accident.

Who Will Handle My Case?

Sometimes, you’ll meet with a senior attorney during the consultation, only to have your case passed on to a junior associate. Ensure you know who will be your main point of contact and whether you’ll have direct access to your attorney.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Expect?

While no attorney can guarantee a specific outcome, they should be able to give you an estimate based on the details of your case. This can help set realistic expectations for your settlement.

How Long Will the Process Take?

Legal cases can take time, and the duration often depends on the complexity of your situation. A trustworthy attorney will give you an honest assessment of how long your case might take to resolve.

What Can I Do to Strengthen My Case?

A proactive attorney will offer advice on steps to improve your chances of success, such as keeping detailed medical records, gathering evidence, and avoiding discussions with insurance adjusters without legal representation.

Read Also:

• The Essential Role of Car Accident Lawyers Compensation Claims
• Can You Hire An Auto Accident Lawyer With No Injury Occurred?
• Who Is A Health Lawyer And When To Hire Them?