Most motorcycle riders never expect their bikes to crash, but it can happen anytime without warning. If you are in a motorcycle accident, it will be hard to think straight afterward. It’s good to prepare yourself now, just in case, so that you’ll know what to do after a motorcycle accident, should that ever happen.
What to Do After Motorcycle Accident
- You or somebody else should call an ambulance if you or anyone on the scene is injured. Getting the necessary treatment is the top priority.
- If you can, move to a safe place. Get off the road and away from traffic.
- Call the police. Later, you or your lawyer should get a copy of the police report.
- Don’t tell anyone on the scene that the accident was your fault. When you get home, don’t admit fault on social media or to an insurance agent. The cause of an accident may not be immediately evident and may not be fully known until after an investigation. Meanwhile, there could be severe legal consequences if you tell people the accident was your fault.
- If you can, use your phone to take photographs and videos of the accident scene. Try to get pictures of your bike, the other vehicle or vehicles, the road, traffic signals or signs, and the surrounding area. If there are any witnesses, take their names and contact information. Later, when you get home, backup copies of any photos and videos you took and store them somewhere safe. If you have other types of evidence, such as eyewitness statements, official records, or dashcam footage, make sure you keep those in a safe place.
- See a doctor soon, even if you don’t think you are seriously injured. Sometimes, symptoms of injuries from accidents don’t appear right away, and you may not be aware of a serious injury. The quicker you can get diagnosed, the better your chances of making a full recovery. A medical report prepared soon after the accident will also be helpful if you pursue a claim against the other driver.
- Keep track of your injury-related expenses and losses, including doctor visits, lost time at work, medication, and medical equipment and devices. These records will be useful if you seek compensation for your injuries.
- If you were seriously injured and think the other driver may have been at fault for the accident, reach out to a law firm that has experience working with people who have motorcycle accident injuries. If you are eligible to file a claim against the other driver, don’t attempt to do it alone! Insurance companies try to take advantage of accident victims who do not have a lawyer.
Contact the Personal Injury Attorneys at Garmey Law
The experienced and dedicated motorcycle accident attorneys at Garmey Law would be glad to analyze your case, discuss your options, and advise you on whether you are entitled to file a claim against the negligent driver. For a free consultation, call us at (207) 481-4683, or contact us through our website.
