What Should I Do at the Scene of a Motorcycle Accident?

When you are injured in a motorcycle accident, it is easy to feel dazed, shocked, and lost in the aftermath. You may have been injured, or you may simply not know where to turn following the accident and the injuries you have suffered.

When this happens, you must take specific steps to protect yourself and your legal rights to compensation. Making a mistake can hurt your chances of getting compensated fairly following the accident. 

Because of this, it is vital to have a firm idea of what you need to do before you even leave the scene of the motorcycle accident. Here are the steps you can take to make your motorcycle accident case easier following the events of your accident.

Take Photos

When you are involved in a motorcycle accident, one of the most important first steps you can take is to document the details of the scene and your collision. These photos can help you keep track of the details of your case, as the trauma and injuries may impact your memory. These photos will last longer than the details in your memory.

Photographs may last longer than other evidence, too. You may find the accident scene changing over time as the property is repaired, cars and debris are moved, and roads are repaved. These pictures can provide testimony to the initial state of the accident scene after the crash happened. 

Contact the Police 

After your motorcycle accident, you may also need to contact the police. The police officers at the scene are expert witnesses, meaning their testimony via the police report is a vital piece of evidence for your case. They will typically identify the at-fault party and critical details about the scene, which can aid you in proving fault for your motorcycle accident.

The police report is also often a necessary part of the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident. Often, a police report is required if a person is injured or killed or has significant property damage. If any of these things are true and you do not report your accident, you may face criminal charges while you are trying to recover from your accident, so speak with your attorney about filing this vital paperwork. 

Notify Your Insurance Company

Once an accident happens, you must also file a report with your insurance company. Your insurer will need to know about the accident to prepare and make a settlement offer for your accident. Filing this as quickly as possible following an accident is vital.

This step is also important because your insurance company may try to claim you delayed the report or that the damages came from a different instance. Accusations of insurance fraud are serious, so be sure you report your accident as soon as possible.

Remember, however, that you do not have to give the insurance adjuster the whole story. Often, insurance companies record every interaction you have with them, and that means anything you say can be used against you. Because of this, you may need to speak with your lawyer, who can give you specific instructions on how to handle the insurance company and avoid penalties. 

Get Medical Attention 

When you are involved in a motorcycle accident, one of the most urgent steps you must take following the crash is to seek medical care. Motorcycle accidents may leave you with catastrophic injuries, as you are more vulnerable to accidents and injuries while on a motorcycle. Because you may have serious injuries, acting now is vital.

Often, motorcyclists suffer more acute injuries, as well. For example, even if you were wearing a helmet, you may have suffered a traumatic brain injury. These injuries can cause brain damage, especially if they are not treated immediately.

Acting now and receiving healthcare can save your life. 

What if I Feel Fine? 

Sometimes, you may leave the scene of a motorcycle accident thinking you have walked away without a scratch. Unfortunately, you may be dealing with severe injuries days, weeks, or months later. Worse, some of those injuries can be life-threatening or even deadly if you do not get the medical care you need following your accident. 

Delayed injuries can be deadly. You may not realize you are hurt, but failure to act only worsens your injuries. Being safe and seeking help now can protect your health, rather than failing to get the care you need. 

Likewise, failing to act now can look bad to the insurance companies. They may try to claim you must not have been injured in the accident if you are well enough to act normally after the accident. Ensuring you are well can protect you from more significant trouble later. 

Should I Go if I’m Uninsured? 

If you do not have insurance, you may be worried about the costs of your care. Medical care is not cheap, and even a visit to get the all-clear from your doctor after a motorcycle accident can cost hundreds or even thousands. However, it is still vital to go. 

Even if you are uninsured, your lawyer can help you get compensated for the costs of your care. You should not have to pay out of pocket for care related to your accident, so your lawyer can help you get the care you need. 

Talk with a Lawyer About Your Motorcycle Accident 

Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, and you may feel lost in the aftermath of your accident. If you struggle to take the proper steps at the accident scene, you may even be worried about your ability to take action and get compensated fairly for your case. 

This is where a lawyer from Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC can step in. Your motorcycle accident lawyer has the tools you need to recover from your suffering, get compensated, and get your life back on track. We even offer free consultations so you can get started as soon as possible on your claim. To learn more about our services, reach out by calling our office or by completing our online contact form.