After an accident, a Washington DC motorcycle accident attorney can evaluate your case and help you understand your legal options, even if you are unsure if you want or need to pursue an injury claim. If you have been the victim of a motorcycle accident in Washington DC, you may need to seek representation from a personal injury attorney. An experienced Washington DC motorcycle accident lawyer can resolve your motorcycle accident claim while protecting your legal rights and ensuring that you get the most out of your claim.
Certain steps taken immediately following your motorcycle accident can go a long way in protecting your injury case in Washington DC. Even if your accident does not seem serious, you should always call the police if you have been involved in an accident. A police report can be instrumental in determining liability in a motorcycle accident – that is, which driver is responsible for the accident and subsequent damages. The police report will note important factors, such as the condition of the road at the time of the accident and any witnesses to the accident. When you file your claim, the insurance adjusters will compare each driver’s story and make a liability decision, either accepting on behalf of their driver or denying fault. If there are any discrepancies, having a police report to back up your statement is pivotal.
Contacting the police is also a very important way to exchange contact information and insurance information with the other parties to the accident. In order to protect your privacy and your identity from potential fraud, do not provide your information directly to the other driver after you have been in a motorcycle accident. Call the police, and wait for their arrival before giving your information.
Different jurisdictions have different processes for requesting and sending accident reports. In Washington DC, you must go directly to the police department to obtain a copy of your motorcycle accident report. If 30 days have passed since your motorcycle accident, you can request a copy via regular mail. You will need to prove your identity with a driver’s license and pay a fee for your copy of the report. Request a report immediately. Even if you are working with a Washington DC motorcycle accident attorney on your motorcycle accident claim, it is often more cost effective and easier for you to obtain the report than your attorney’s office.
Getting your accident report can be time consuming – it often takes several days or even weeks for the Washington DC police department to process report requests. However, the police report is almost always an essential part of any personal injury claim. Motorcycle accident claims can be extremely time sensitive. Don’t hesitate to get a copy of the report if you have been the victim of a motorcycle accident, and don’t hesitate to contact Cohen & Cohen PC discuss your possible claim