Caught Up in a Motorcycle Accident? Here’s What You Need to Do Now

84,000 motorcyclists were injured in crashes in the United States in 2019.

Motorcycle accidents are often more serious than car accidents and lead to more severe injuries.

If you are ever in a motorcycle accident, knowing what to do next can ensure your rights are protected. If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages.

Keep reading to learn more about what to do after a motorcycle accident. 

Get Everyone to Safety

The first thing you should do at the scene of any vehicle accident is to make sure everyone is safe.

Make sure you and your bike are out of the way and clear of the road. You should also evaluate yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is injured and you can help, do your best to help them until EMS arrives. 

Call the Police

Anytime a motorcycle accident occurs, you should report the accident to the police.

When you call 911, be sure to let them know if there are any injuries so they can send an EMS. It’s important to call the police, especially if you were not at fault for the accident.

The police will create an official report that contains information about the accident and who was at fault. This piece of evidence will be crucial when it comes to filing a claim. You will get the opportunity to tell your side of the story.

If you aren’t sure what happened, be careful not to admit fault. In California, you can recover damages even if the accident was partially your fault. Be sure to cooperate with the police, but don’t say anything that could incriminate you. 

Collect Information

At the scene of the accident, you should collect as much information about what happened as possible. Speak to any other drivers involved as well as witnesses. Collect the following information from other drivers:

• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Name of their insurance company
• Policy number
• License plate number
• Make and model of vehicle

You should also get the names and contact information of any witnesses. However, be sure to let the police take their statement. You don’t want there to be any speculation that you influenced their account of events.

Use your cellphone to take photos of the accident scene and all vehicles involved. Be sure to get photos of any damage from multiple angles. 

Seek Medical Treatment

One of the best pieces of motorcycle accident advice is to get yourself checked out as soon as possible.

If it’s immediately evident that you were injured in the crash, you may be taken from the scene to the hospital by ambulance. If you decline treatment at the scene, be sure to visit an urgent care center or your primary care provider as soon as possible.

Motor vehicle accidents can cause a number of injuries and many of them take time to show up. You might not realize you were injured right away, especially in the midst of the chaos at the crash scene.

Getting prompt treatment is important for both your health and your claim. When you get evaluated by a doctor who specializes in treating motorcycle accident victims, they will be able to tell whether you might have been injured and start treatment right away.

Delays in treatment can be consequential for your recovery and your claim down the line. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health.

It’s also important to attend all doctor’s appointments for as long as you require treatment. 

Contact An Attorney

As soon as possible, you should contact an attorney who specializes in motorcycle accidents.

An attorney who is experienced with cases like yours will be able to provide excellent motorcycle accident help. This includes getting you set up with a trusted doctor, helping you file a claim with the insurance companies, and helping you file a lawsuit if necessary.

Look for an attorney who has a proven track record of getting fair settlements in motorcycle crash cases. You should choose an attorney who has trial experience and is prepared to take your claim to trial if necessary.

The best attorneys are available around the clock and offer a free consultation with no fee or obligation. 

Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Next, you’ll need to report the accident to your insurance company. You’ll also want to file a claim with the insurance company for the at-fault driver.

Be sure not to give a statement to the adjuster from the at-fault driver’s insurance company without talking to your attorney. The adjuster represents the other drivers and it’s their job to protect the other driver’s interests. They will try to trip you up and get you to admit fault for the accident.

When you are represented by an attorney, they can’t contact you directly and will have to go through your attorney. 

Keep All Records and Documents

After your accident, you should develop a system for storing and organizing all relevant documents.

The police officer who responds to the scene of the accident should tell you how to obtain a copy of the police report. If you aren’t sure, you can contact your local precinct.

Be sure to keep copies of any medical records and bills. You can request these at the end of your appointments.

Never sign any documents without having them reviewed by your attorney. 

Were You Involved in a Motorcycle Accident?

If you had a motorcycle accident, you need to talk to an attorney today.

Motorcycle accidents involving cars are often the fault of the other driver. This means that as a victim, you have legal rights. Talking to a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible is the best way to get the most out of your claim.

Click here to contact us today to schedule your free consultation.