Riding a motorcycle offers a sense of freedom and excitement, but it also comes with its risks. Accidents, though we hope never to encounter them, can happen. Unfortunately, what you do and say following an accident can harm your claim and the amount of compensation you can recover.
Knowing the right steps to take following a motorcycle accident can protect your health, your legal rights, and your claim.
Check for Injuries
In any emergency or accident scenario, the goal is to ensure the safety of all individuals involved. Check yourself for injuries. Before checking on anyone else that may have been injured in the crash, confirm that you are in a safe place following the accident. Secondary crashes are not uncommon and can lead to deadly results..
Call 911 or Contact Law Enforcement
If you or anyone involved in the accident, contact 911. First responders will arrive on scene to assist with any injuries or to offer assistance. Even if you feel the accident resulted in minor or no injuries, contacting 911 is still heavily recommended. In addition to EMS, police will arrive on the scene and can create an official crash report.report includes accident details that can potentially strengthen your claim.
This information includes:
- A diagram of the accident scene
- The police officer’s accident investigation findings, including their opinion regarding which party they believe was negligent
- A description of vehicle damage
- A description of your injuries
- A description of road and weather conditions
- A description of anything that may have caused or contributed to the accident, such as debris on the road or malfunctioning traffic lights
This report can be used during settlement negotiations to help support your claim.
Exchange Information with the Other Party
Exchange information with the other party involved in the motorcycle accident, including their name and contact and insurance information. If the other driver is acting aggressively, do not approach them and wait for law enforcement to arrive.
Document the Accident Scene
Document the accident scene by taking photos of your injuries, the scene, and any damage to all vehicles involved. It’s equally important to gather witness information and statements; these can provide corroborative details or alternative accounts of the incident.
Gather Witness Information and Statements
It’s important to collect not just the names and contact details of witnesses but also their firsthand accounts and observations. Witnesses can offer unbiased perspectives, potentially shedding light on details that the involved parties may not have noticed, providing invaluable insights into the accident’s dynamics and contributing factors.
Seek Medical Attention
You must seek medical attention immediately after a motorcycle accident, even for injuries that seem minor. Hidden injuries, especially internal ones, may not show symptoms right away but could lead to serious health issues if untreated. A prompt medical examination ensures that all injuries are identified and addressed early on.
Moreover, seeking medical treatment as soon as possible after a motorcycle accident will tie your injuries to the incident, while demonstrating the severity of your injuries. If you delay medical treatment, the insurance company can assert you were injured at some point after the accident or they will use the delay in treatment to argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim they are.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Reporting the accident to your insurance company is crucial for initiating the claims process, which is necessary for obtaining compensation for any damages and injuries sustained. When contacting your insurer, provide a factual account of the incident.
Include all relevant documentation, such as photographs of the accident scene, police reports, and medical evaluations.
Consult with a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Consulting with a motorcycle accident attorney will safeguard your rights following an accident. An attorney with experience in motorcycle accidents can provide crucial advice on dealing with insurers and avoiding common pitfalls that could weaken your case. They will evaluate the full scope of your claim, including compensation for damages and injuries.
Before signing any documents from insurance companies, it’s heavily recommended you seek legal counsel. This ensures you fully understand your legal rights and the long-term implications of any decisions you make. An early consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer can significantly influence the outcome of your case.
Let Us Fight for You – Schedule a Free Consultation Today!
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by a negligent driver, let the legal team at Sutliff & Stout help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer on our legal team to learn more.
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