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A motorcycle accident in Los Angeles can leave you overwhelmed, injured, and unsure of what to do next. While it’s important to take the right steps after a crash, knowing what not to do is just as critical. Making the wrong choices can jeopardize your health, your insurance claim, and your ability to recover the compensation you deserve. Here are some common mistakes to avoid after a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles to protect yourself legally and financially.
1. Do NOT Leave the Scene
No matter how minor the accident seems, never leave the scene until law enforcement arrives. Leaving without exchanging information or filing a report can be considered a hit-and-run, which carries serious legal penalties. Even if you think you’re not injured, or your motorcycle has only minor damage, stay at the scene, check for injuries, and wait for the police to document the accident.
2. Do NOT Admit Fault
After a motorcycle accident, emotions can run high. You may feel the urge to apologize or accept blame, but never admit fault at the scene. Even saying something as simple as “I didn’t see you” can be used against you later. Fault should be determined through an investigation, not by a casual statement at the accident site. Stick to the facts when speaking with the police and other parties involved.
3. Do NOT Skip Calling 911
Failing to call the police after an accident can make it harder to prove what happened. A police report provides official documentation of the crash, which is critical for insurance claims and legal cases. Even if the other driver tries to convince you that you don’t need to call the police, insist on reporting the accident—especially in Los Angeles, where traffic collisions are common.
4. Do NOT Refuse Medical Attention
Many motorcycle accident injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries can take hours or even days to appear. If you refuse medical attention at the scene or delay seeing a doctor, insurance companies may argue that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident. Always get checked by paramedics or visit a doctor as soon as possible.
5. Do NOT Forget to Gather Evidence
Evidence can disappear quickly after an accident, and relying solely on the police report may not be enough. If you’re physically able, gather as much evidence as possible, including:
- Photos of your motorcycle, other vehicles, and the accident scene
- Close-up images of damage and visible injuries
- Contact information of witnesses who saw the crash
- A screenshot of traffic conditions, weather, and road hazards
This evidence can help support your claim and prove what happened if liability is disputed.
6. Do NOT Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Alone
After a motorcycle accident, the other driver’s insurance company may contact you for a statement. Do NOT speak to them without consulting a lawyer. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and anything you say can be twisted to reduce or deny your claim. Instead, refer them to your attorney or only provide basic facts about the crash.
7. Do NOT Accept a Quick Settlement Offer
Insurance companies often offer low settlements right after an accident, hoping you’ll accept them before understanding the full extent of your injuries and damages. Once you accept, you typically waive your right to seek additional compensation later. Before agreeing to any settlement, consult a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
8. Do NOT Post About Your Accident on Social Media
It might be tempting to share details of your accident online, but avoid posting on social media. Insurance companies and defense attorneys monitor social media accounts and may use your posts against you. Even a simple photo of you looking fine after the accident can be used to argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as claimed. Keep accident details private and let your attorney handle the case.
9. Do NOT Assume You Don’t Have a Case
Even if you think you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be entitled to compensation. California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partly responsible. Always consult an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney to evaluate your legal options.
Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
What you do after a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles can significantly impact your ability to recover physically and financially. Avoiding these common mistakes can protect your rights and strengthen your claim. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, Ardalan & Associates is here to help. Contact us today so we can start working on your claim.
Ardalan & Associates, PLC is a personal injury law firm based in Thousand Oaks, also serving all of Southern California, including Los Angeles, Ventura, Kern, and Orange County. We are committed to helping clients involved in personal injury accidents seek justice and navigate their legal journey.