Motorcycle accidents are often devastating for those involved. This is particularly true for the motorcyclist because they do not have much protection from the force of a heavier vehicle or from an impact with the ground or a fixed object. It is important to report motorcycle accidents after they occur in order to recover compensation. However, many individuals are not sure of when or how to report a motorcycle accident.
In the state of Arizona, the law is fairly strict about when vehicle accidents have to be reported. This includes motorcycle accidents. Law enforcement officials are required to come to the scene and provide a written report if any of the following has occurred in a motorcycle accident:
The crash needs to be reported immediately after it occurs. Reporting an incident hours or days later can result in significant challenges, particularly when it comes to recovering compensation for your losses.
Additionally, you need to report the incident to your insurance carrier within a day or two after the incident occurs. Most major insurance carriers make it very easy to report the initial claim, either online or through a mobile device app. You do not need to go into much detail when you make your initial report to your insurance carrier. They need to know where the accident occurred, the names and contact information of those involved, and that you are seeking medical care for your injuries.
Even if a motorcycle accident seems relatively minor, we encourage you to call 911 and report the incident. The reality is that some injuries do not appear until the hours or days after the incident occurs, and you need to make sure there is documentation of the incident.
Law enforcement officials are responsible for filing the crash report, and you need to ask the responding officer the process of recovering this incident report in the days that follow. Your insurance carrier will ask for this accident report while processing your claim.
After you file an insurance claim for your motorcycle accident, the process typically is fairly automated unless there is a dispute about fault or how much compensation you should be paid.
When you make your initial report, you can be sure that you will be contacted by various insurance carriers in the days that follow. This will include your own insurance carrier as well as the insurance carrier for the other party or parties involved. Insurance claims adjusters will call you and try to get you to talk about the incident, and they may ask you to give a recorded statement. You are under no obligation to give a recorded statement, and you should not do so.
Anything you say to insurance claims adjusters could be used against you to try and limit the amount of money they pay you in compensation. We encourage you to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer and refer all questions or concerns about the incident to your attorney.
In the event the insurance carrier or at-fault party refuses to offer a fair settlement or denies your claim altogether, it may be necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. This is an entirely different process, and you should only do this when you have a skilled personal injury lawyer by your side.
John Torgenson is a highly experienced personal injury lawyer with over 20 years of practice in Arizona. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and his Juris Doctor from Notre Dame. John has a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements, including an $8.25 million recovery for a gunshot injury victim. His expertise has earned him AVVO ratings and recognition as a Super Lawyer.
John is also a sought-after lecturer on personal injury law, sharing his extensive knowledge with peers and aspiring attorneys. Beyond his legal practice, John is an avid golfer and actively supports organizations like the Military Assistance Mission, Arizona School for the Arts, Page Balloon Regatta, University of Arizona Foundation, Junior Achievement of Arizona, and the Tim Huff Pro Bono Golf Classic.
Passionate about advocating for injury victims, John dedicates his career to battling insurance companies and corporate interests, ensuring that the rights of those who are hurt are vigorously defended.
