Motorcycle accidents can be very dangerous, and it is important to know what to do if you are in one. In the USA, approximately 75% of motorcycle accidents result in injury or death to the rider. Many riders don’t realize the importance of following the correct procedure after an accident. In this article, we will discuss the steps you need to take to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights.
Call the Police
It is important to call the police even if you think the accident is minor. There may be injuries that are not immediately apparent. You will also need a police report for your insurance company and any legal claims against other parties. Calling the police also helps to ensure that the scene is safe and that everyone involved is accounted for.
According to the police, the only time you should not call them is if there is no property damage and everyone involved in the accident can walk away without injury. It’s also important to stay at the scene until help arrives so that they can assess what happened and gather information from all parties involved.
Speak to a Lawyer
If you are considering taking legal action against the other parties involved in your accident, it is important to speak to a lawyer. They can advise you on your best course of action and help protect your legal rights.
A lawyer is vital in handling all communications with insurance companies, other parties’ lawyers, and/or doctors, as well as any potential legal action against anyone involved. You will want someone who knows how to handle these situations properly so that you don’t get taken advantage of by an unscrupulous party seeking compensation for their mistake or negligence.
Lawyers can also advise you on the best compensation options available to you after an accident. Getting legal advice is paramount in getting medical bills paid, lost wages covered and other damages caused by the crash such as property damage or even pain and suffering that might not be visible when talking about legal matters but could affect your life for years to come if left untreated.
Collect information from the Other Parties
It is vital to collect information from the other parties involved in your accident. Be sure to get their names, addresses, and phone numbers for future contact or legal recourse. You should also ask for insurance policy details including policy number and expiration dates as well as license plate numbers from all vehicles involved before leaving the scene of the crash so that these items can be turned over to your insurance company.
Other information that could be useful includes where they were coming from and going to, what time it was when you collided with them or if there were witnesses who saw the accident happen.
Seek Medical Attention
You should seek medical attention after a motorcycle accident. This is true even if you do not have any obvious injuries. A doctor will be able to evaluate whether you are injured.
Some common medical conditions associated with motorcycle accidents are broken bones, sprains, strains, whiplash injuries (neck pain and stiffness), and shoulder injuries. It is important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible following an accident so that they can provide treatment and document your injuries in case you decide to file suit against any other parties involved.
Take Photos
You should take photos of the accident scene before anything is moved or cleaned up. It’s also a good idea to photograph any visible injuries you have sustained as well as your damaged motorcycle and personal property if applicable. You should also photograph any other vehicles involved in the accident which may contain debris from your motorcycle or personal belongings.
Photographs will play a big role if the case ever goes to court. Having indisputable evidence of what happened can be very helpful in getting the compensation you deserve.
Contact Your Insurance
You should get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. They will need to know about the accident and will likely start an investigation. Keep in mind that you may have to pay a deductible for any damages claimed. Your lawyer can help you negotiate with the insurance company and may be able to get them to pay for damages that are not covered by your policy.
Follow these steps if you are ever in a motorcycle accident. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact an attorney today for a free consultation!
