Here Are the 12 Most Crucial Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
Riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience. In many cases your commute is much easier and more fun, parking is a breeze, you will burn more calories, and you can even help the environment.
Depending on how serious you are about riding, a motorcycle can also open up your social circle to a new group of people. Just by riding, you can find a new community to interact and connect with. Knowing this, it’s easy to understand why so many people are motorcycle enthusiasts.
However, riding a motorcycle is also a risky venture.
You are more likely to get into a motorcycle accident than a car accident and you are more likely to experience a serious injury. While you never want to think you might get into an accident, being prepared for one is essential.
The actions you take directly after the accident are important. If you experience an injury or damage to your motorcycle, the steps you take can determine if you will be compensated or not.
If you have been in a motorcycle accident or want to be prepared for the worst-case scenario, this short and simple guide is for you.
1. Check for Injuries
The first step to take after a motorcycle accident is to check for injuries. Statistics show, 80% of all motorcycle accidents result in injuries. While you should always seek medical attention after an accident, you should check to see if you need immediate medical attention.
2. Move to Safety
After you have checked for injuries, make sure to move to a safe place. While you should leave your motorcycle where it is, do not stay in the middle of traffic. Move to the side of the road, street, or another nearby safe space.
3. Call 911 and File a Police Report
Once you are safe, you need to call 911. If you decide to pursue a legal case, reporting the accident is a step you need to take.
Once the officer is on the scene, make sure to file a police report with them. A police report is excellent for your case, it details your side of the story as well as the names and contact information of the witnesses and the insurance information for the drivers involved.
4. Exchange Information
As with any accident, you need to exchange information with the driver or drivers involved. Generally speaking, the information you need to obtain from the other driver is on their license and insurance card. Take a quick photo with your phone to make this process as easy as possible.
5. Talk to Witnesses
One step you need to take after a motorcycle accident is to talk to any witnesses to the accident. This is especially crucial if the accident was not your fault. Talk to witnesses, get statements, and ask if they are comfortable being contacted should you decide to pursue legal action.
6. Take Pictures and Videos
One of the most important steps to take after a motorcycle accident is to document the scene. Take pictures and videos from every angle possible. Make sure you are taking pictures of anything relevant, such as wet pavement and road signs as well as injuries and damage to your motorcycle.
Your videos and photos are one of the best ways to help you prove your case.
7. Seek Medical Attention
After you have taken all the steps you need to take at the scene, you should seek medical attention. While you may feel like you are okay, many accident aches and pains take a few hours or even days to appear.
For this reason, you should always visit your doctor or an urgent care facility the same day as your accident. Make sure to keep any paperwork you receive from your doctor for your case.
8. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
While many people seek medical attention, they don’t take their doctor’s orders seriously. If your doctor recommends medication and rest, make sure to take the medication and get some rest. This is essential, not only for your health but also to bolster any case you might have in the future.
9. Start Your Accident Journal
One essential step to take is to start an accident journal. This is a folder or a binder that holds all of your documentation about the accident. Having an accident journal will allow your to keep all of your information in one place for easy access for the future.
You should also start documenting everything that happened directly before and right after the accident. Make sure to notate locations, dates, times, and all other pertinent information.
10. Obtain a Copy of Your Police Report
One item you need for your accident journal is a copy of your police report. This will likely help bolster your case should you decide to move forward.
11. Consult With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Whether you have decided to move forward with litigation or not, you should always consult with a motorcycle accident law firm. A good lawyer can review your case and give you an objective opinion about what type of result you can expect. If you have experienced injuries, damage, missed work, bills, etc., you need to talk to a lawyer.
If you are not sure of the best firm for your case, you can learn more here.
12. File a Claim With Both Insurance Companies
After consulting with a lawyer, contact both insurance companies to file a claim. Make sure to talk to a lawyer for this step so you can be prepared for the recorded statement you have to give.
These Are the Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
By taking these steps after a motorcycle accident, you can give yourself the best chance of receiving compensation for your damage and loss.
Start by checking for injuries and moving to safety. You should also call 911 and file a police report, exchange information, talk to witnesses, and document the scene. Make sure to seek medical attention and consult with a lawyer before filing an insurance claim.
Follow these steps to successfully build your motorcycle accident case.
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