A Wisconsin motorcycle accident can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure of your next move. It’s a chaotic time — and that’s when costly mistakes could happen while seeking compensation for your losses. What you do (or don’t do) right after a crash could significantly affect your health, finances, and future.
At LawtonCates, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys have spent over 60 years helping Wisconsin residents demand justice and fair compensation after an injury. We’re here to help you avoid errors that may lead to claim delays, denials, or unfairly low settlements.
Here’s a list of mistakes to avoid after a motorcycle accident and tips on how to prevent them. For personalized advice about your situation, contact us today for a free consultation with a Wisconsin motorcycle accident lawyer.
Common Motorcycle Accident Errors in Wisconsin
Not Calling the Police
Always call the police after a motorcycle collision, even if the crash seems minor. A police officer can document the scene, take witness statements, and create a report that may support your claim. Wisconsin law also requires you to report any accident with injuries, deaths, or over $1,000 in property damage if law enforcement doesn’t come to the scene.
Not calling the police after a motorcycle crash might seem like the easiest option, especially if your injuries don’t seem severe or the other driver is cooperative. But without a police report, there’s no official record of what happened. Insurance companies often rely on police reports to determine who caused the collision, so if it doesn’t exist, they may question your side of the story.
Admitting Fault at the Accident Scene
It’s natural to say “I’m sorry” in a crisis — even if you didn’t cause the crash. However, the driver who hit you or an insurance company might see the statement as an admission of guilt and use it against you when you file your motorcycle accident claim.
Furthermore, the actual cause of a crash isn’t always immediately apparent. For example, your motorcycle or the vehicle that hit you might have had an unknown mechanical defect that contributed to the crash. You may not discover that until an investigation begins.
To protect yourself, stick to the facts when speaking with police or others at the scene. Let the police and your legal team figure out what happened.
Refusing or Delaying Medical Attention
If you walk away from a crash feeling OK, you might think you’re fine. But many severe motorcycle accident injuries — like head trauma, internal bleeding, or soft-tissue injuries — don’t show symptoms right away. Not seeing a doctor gives insurers a reason to argue that you didn’t take your health seriously or that something else caused your injuries.
Always seek medical attention as soon as possible after a crash. Early treatment can uncover hidden injuries and link the accident to your condition.
Failing to Gather Evidence
Photos, videos, and witness contact information can make a significant difference in proving what happened in a crash and who caused it. If you don’t collect evidence before leaving the scene, you might struggle to demonstrate who was at fault or the severity of the crash. Road conditions, skid marks, and vehicle positions can all change quickly after a motorcycle crash.
If you’re physically able, take photos at the scene and get any witnesses’ names and phone numbers. If you suffered severe injuries, ask a witness to help.
Don’t worry if your injuries prevented you from gathering evidence at the accident scene. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer can track down the information for you.
Speaking to Insurance Companies Without Legal Advice
Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but the company focuses on its bottom line, not your compensation and future. Never provide a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement offer without legal guidance. You could miss out on fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
This advice applies to both your insurer and the other driver’s insurance company. Speaking to a motorcycle accident attorney first can prevent you from agreeing to a lowball settlement that fails to account for all your losses.
Posting About the Accident on Social Media
Social media might seem like a way to update friends and family about your crash, but your posts can work against you. Insurance companies and defense lawyers may search an accident victim’s profile for posts, photos, or comments that downplay their injuries or suggest they caused the crash. The safest move is to stay off social media while your case is active.
Ignoring Medical Advice or Missing Follow-ups
Skipping doctor’s appointments, rehab sessions, or prescribed medical treatments sends the wrong message to insurance companies. They might argue that your injuries aren’t serious or that you made them worse by not following through with your medical care. These missed steps can reduce your compensation or lead to a claim denial. Stick to your treatment plan, even if you feel fully healed. Following directions creates a consistent medical record that supports your motorcycle accident case.
Waiting Too Long to Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Time is of the essence after a motorcycle wreck. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and deadlines creep up fast. Waiting too long to speak with a lawyer can weaken your case or even make it impossible to file a claim. Wisconsin law generally gives you three years after a motorcycle crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of building a strong case for maximum compensation.
How Our Wisconsin Motorcycle Attorneys Can Help
At LawtonCates, we know how tough life gets after a motorcycle crash. Let us take the pressure off. Our full-service law firm will do all the legal legwork to build a robust personal injury claim. We’ll investigate the crash, gather key evidence, and work with medical experts as needed to illustrate the severity of your injuries. Our lawyers will also deal directly with the insurance companies so they can’t take advantage of you or push a lowball offer.
Motorcycle accident victims turn to us for our transparent legal information, sound advice, and long track record of success in personal injury cases. Our personal injury attorneys always handle the insurance claims process with your best interests in mind. We’re not a churn-and-burn operation ready to take your case and rush it toward a conclusion. We’ll get to know you and push for results that count. Call or contact us today for a free case evaluation.