What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash

Many motorcycle accident stats are concerning, to say the least. For example, did you know that motorcyclists are about 28 times more likely than people in passenger cars to die in a traffic crash?

Nobody wants to think about themselves or a loved one getting into a motorcycle crash, but it’s crucial to know what to do after. This way, you’re prepared to take action. You don’t want to wait until an accident to figure out the next steps.

This guide will go through what to do after a motorcycle crash, so whether you’re an innocent bystander or the rider, you can be proactive.

Let’s get started.

Seek Medical Attention

As the old saying goes, “safety first!” This is no different when it comes to any vehicle accident.

Although the emergency response teams might already be on their way, you’ll want to prioritize your health and safety. If you’re able to walk away from the accident, be sure to get to a doctor as soon as you can. The adrenaline you feel may keep you from understanding that you’re injured, which can lead to complications when that adrenaline wears off.

Many injuries don’t show symptoms either; you could have received a brain injury even if you wore a helmet. There could also be some broken ribs and internal bleeding that isn’t immediately obvious. That’s why you need to go to the doctor as quickly as you can, even if you feel like you’re not injured.

Not only is seeing a doctor important for your well-being, but they’ll be able to provide medical records that will serve as evidence of the accident. This is important if you end up seeking compensation down the line. This medical documentation can also negotiate a settlement with the driver who is at fault and their insurance company.

Also, be sure to keep all of your protective gear on! This will keep your neck and spine protected while you wait for medical personnel.

Call the Police

After the accident occurs, call the police. This will help you obtain a copy of the final traffic crash report. Not only that, but it is legally required in certain states.

The responding officers will fill out a report and document the scene. If, for any reason, the police can’t make it to the scene of the crash, see if you’re able to go to the nearest police station. Assuming you’ve already been treated at the hospital.

Keep in mind that it might take the police up to 10 days to complete the report. This is something you’ll want to keep in your records as well, especially if you plan on pursuing legal action against the at-fault driver.

Gather Evidence

In addition to the police report, you’ll want to gather as much evidence as you can.

Motorcycle accident statistics show that these types of injuries are some of the most expensive types on average. This is because of how severe the injuries are, leading to expensive medical treatment and loss of work.

Whether you’re looking to prevail in a personal injury lawsuit or not, you’ll need to prove the economic losses related to your injuries and the accident. This isn’t limited to your motorcycle damage and medical bills. It’s also fees for traveling to and from the doctor, aftercare, over-the-counter pain medication, and prescriptions.

So be sure to keep all of your financial expenses saved and well kept.

You’ll also want to gather evidence at the scene of the accident too. If you’re able to walk, try to take photos of everything, you can. This includes the vehicles involved, street names, and nearby buildings.

If there are any witnesses, collect their contact information and a statement. This can come in handy as your attorney builds a case.

There’s a possibility that you are too injured to gather evidence yourself. If this is the case, see if there is anyone you know who can come to the scene of the accident and gather this evidence for you.

Speak to a Lawyer

When it comes to speaking to a lawyer after an auto accident or motorcycle accident: the sooner, the better. Hiring the right personal injury attorney will make a huge difference when dealing with your insurance settlement.

Insurance companies are frustrating to deal with, and they’re going to offer the lowest amount possible. Hiring a lawyer can help you negotiate this amount, so you can recover from your injuries without having to worry about medical expenses.

Don’t accept any settlements or speak to insurance until you hire an attorney. They can get the process of talking to your insurance company started.

There’s also the potential that you want to create a lawsuit against a driver who was at fault for the accident. This is when an attorney is pretty much necessary.

An experienced lawyer will investigate your accident and uncover any relevant facts to determine liability and support your case. Let your attorney deal with the complicated details and focus on healing from your injuries. If you’re curious to know more about what a lawyer can do for you, discover more here.

What to Do After Motorcycle Crash

If you or a loved one are in a motorcycle crash, you’ll be filled with stress and adrenaline. You won’t be able to properly deal with figuring out what the next steps should be, and it might end up costing you. If you know what to do ahead of time, you’ll be better prepared if those circumstances occur.

Seek medical attention first. Then you can follow every other step. Despite dealing with a stressful situation, you’ll handle it with ease, knowing that you’ve done your research.

Looking for more articles like this? Be sure to check out the law section of our blog.