Motorcycle Accident

Motorcyclists are four times more likely to suffer an injury on the road than other motorists. Although safe riding practices can help, they won’t guarantee the prevention of a motorcycle accident. Knowing what to do in the aftermath of a crash can make the difference between good outcomes and terrible ones. Here’s what every motorcyclist needs to do after a motorcycle accident. 

Get to a Safe Place

First and foremost, get to a safe place after a motorcycle accident. In the moments after a crash, the most important thing for everyone involved to do is to get to safety. However, do not leave the scene of the accident. That may affect your claim down the road.

Rather, move away from the flow of traffic.  Then, if you cautiously can, proceed to remove the bike from the road or highway to prevent another crash from occurring. If any part of your safety gear is damaged in such a way that it will cause you more harm, remove it. If it is safe to do so, leave your protective gear on. 

Contact the Authorities

Once you are safe, call the police. Even if the motorcycle accident appears minor, a formal police report of the crash is essential. When the authorities arrive, they will likely:

• Interview you, take your statement of what happened and ask for your contact information
• Speak to the other party involved and obtain the same information from them
• Report their own observations about the scene of the accident

All of this information will play a key role later in determining a fair settlement.

Create Your Own Record  

If you can, create your own record of the motorcycle accident. While waiting for the police to arrive or while they are speaking to the other motorist or witnesses, document the scene of the wreck. Use your cell phone, helmet cam, or other tools available to you to take photos and videos of:

• The scene
• Road conditions
• Your motorcycle
• The other vehicle(s) involved 
• Injuries sustained from the collision

If you do not have access to photo and video tools, write things down or use whatever else you can to take notes. This information can support what the police put in their report. It can also become vital evidence to support your case. 

Accept and Seek Medical Attention

If EMTs, firefighters, or other medically trained professionals arrive, allow them to check you for injuries. Report any pain or wounds that you have, no matter how small or minor they may seem. Some motorcycle accident injuries may appear light in the immediate aftermath but have the potential to become much more serious in the days that follow. If you deny sustaining injuries or refuse to be examined, the responsible insurance company may later use that against you and refuse to pay any future medical bills. 

If medical care is not immediately available, make an appointment to see a doctor as soon as possible.  Then request that a full body examination be completed. Also, keep a close observation of how you feel and any symptoms that you experience following the accident. Record any symptoms that arise and seek immediate medical attention for them. Tracking these changes will help in proving injury occurred as a result of the auto accident. 

Do Not Sign Anything 

After a motorcycle accident, every action related to the event can have major consequences. In other words, anything you do will be just as important as what you don’t do. Under no circumstances should you speak to insurance adjusters about your accident, your injuries, or any related topic without prior legal counseling.

Even if the conversation feels casual, insurance representatives may use anything that you say to their benefit. If they are successful, they can deny or lower your claim. Similarly, do not agree to any terms unless working with a personal injury attorney. Once you agree to or accept something, verbally or in writing, it can become binding. This can affect the outcome of your case.

Find a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

As soon as possible after your crash, find a motorcycle accident lawyer to represent you. Hiring an attorney is critical. Doing so also keeps your rights as a victim protected. Your attorney:

• Can independently assess your case
• Provide you with informed information on what the insurance company should award you in compensation 
• Speak to insurers on your behalf
• Prevent any accidental agreements from taking place
• Fight for the full compensation you deserve

Experienced attorneys are familiar with the tactics that insurers use in accident injury cases. With a motorcycle accident lawyer on your side, you will have more reassurance that your case is being properly and professionally handled from beginning to end.

Affording an Attorney

Many accident victims hesitate to seek the services of an attorney. In some cases, this is because they are concerned about costs. However, hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer tends to be more affordable than motorists expect. Not having legal representation can cost victims more than just monetary loss. Additionally, working with an attorney sends a message to insurers that you are prepared.

Contact Us

If you’ve experienced a motorcycle accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. At Alpha Accident Lawyers, our consultation is 100% free. Contact us today and let our experienced attorneys fight to get you the compensation you deserve.