After you’ve been in an Iowa motorcycle accident, you may be looking to get your bike fixed as soon as possible. However, it isn’t always a good idea to do so. Here’s what you need to know before you decide to fix your motorcycle.
Photos to Take Before Your Iowa Motorcycle Accident
It’s a good idea to take photos of your motorcycle before it is ever in a crash. This will help your attorney show the insurance company or a jury the amount of damage that was sustained during the crash.
If you haven’t taken these photos before you are in an accident, don’t worry. The photos are not necessary – only helpful to show what your motorcycle looked like before the accident.
Photos of Your Bike After The Motorcycle Crash
It is important to properly document the damage done to your bike when you make a motorcycle accident claim. The best way to do this is by taking photos of all parts of the motorcycle after an accident. These photos will help prove just how much damage was done to your vehicle.
Some of the photos you should take include:
- A picture of the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- A picture of the mileage on your bike
- A picture of the plate number
- Take photos from all sides of the motorcycle – left, right, front, and back
- Take photos of the gear you were wearing during the accident – your helmet, gloves, and clothes you were wearing
Settling Your Motorcycle Accident Claim with the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
The other driver’s insurance company is likely calling you to settle your case. You may be tempted in order to get your bike fixed more quickly and get back on the road.
But before you decide to settle your motorcycle accident case, you should speak with an attorney. It may be that the insurance company is offering you a lot less compensation than your claim may be worth. Besides getting your bike fixed, there are other things you may be compensated for after a motorcycle wreck.
A motorcycle accident claim can include:
- Compensation for time off work that you missed because of your injuries
- Medical bills that your insurance company may have already paid, and that you will need to pay back
- Compensation for pain and suffering because of your injuries
If you do not factor these costs into your settlement offer, you may end up having to pay out-of-pocket for any costs your settlement does not cover. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can explain the costs of your claim, including repairs to your bike, and let you know what an appropriate amount for settlement should be.
Use Caution When Dealing with Your Own Insurance Company
Your insurance company may pay for your motorcycle repairs and other bills while you are waiting to settle. Be careful when you file a motorcycle accident claim, though – your insurance company may refuse to pay your bills if you don’t follow their procedures. Many insurance companies require special steps to be taken before you can get your bike fixed. If you do not follow these steps, your insurance may refuse to pay any of your bills.
The best way to know what your insurance company requires before you repair your motorcycle is to call them and ask.
It’s best to talk with an attorney before your motorcycle is repaired. An experience motorcycle accident lawyer will be able to tell you how to get your bike repaired without losing out on any compensation.
If you have questions about what your motorcycle accident claim may be worth, call RSH Legal at 1-319-774-1542 or visit our website, FightingForFairness.com for more information.
