Even if you always exercise caution while riding your motorcycle, you can’t control the actions of other motorists around you on the road. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are four times more likely to suffer injuries and 28 times more likely to die in wrecks than other motorists. If you understand the essential steps to take after a motorcycle accident, you might protect your health and your right to pursue compensation for your injuries.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash
1. Make Sure Everyone is Safe
One of the most essential steps to take after a motorcycle accident is to make sure you and everyone else involved are safe. If your bike is in the traffic lane, move it if you can to prevent additional accidents. If your bike can’t be moved, turn on its hazard lights and place road flares to warn other motorists. Move yourself to a safe area along the side of the road, and check yourself and others involved for injuries. If anyone has sustained visible injuries, provide first aid until help arrives.
2. Call 911
Call 911 to report the accident and request police and other emergency responders be sent to the scene. Give the dispatcher enough location information so the officers and other responders can quickly find your collision. When the police respond, tell them what happened. Avoid speculating and stick to the facts. The officer will write a report that will be important if you pursue a legal claim, so ask the officer how to get a copy and when it will be ready. Avoid admitting fault while you’re talking to the officer or the other involved parties. Don’t say you were not injured. Some injuries have delayed symptoms that won’t appear for hours or days, so simply tell the officer you want to get checked out when asked if you were injured even when you are unsure.
3. Collect Evidence
If you can, collect as much evidence from the accident scene as possible, including the following:
- Each party’s name, insurance information, and contact details
- Photographs of the license plate numbers and makes/models of each vehicle involved and the damage to your bike and other cars
- Pictures of the accident scene, road debris, weather conditions, and other important details
- Names and contact details for third-party witnesses
- Officer’s name and badge number
4. Call the Insurance Company
Call your insurance company to report the accident. While your insurance claim will be filed with the other motorist’s insurance company if they were at fault, you’ll still need to report it to your company. Tell them the basic details of what happened and whether the officer cited anyone. Report the accident to the at-fault driver’s insurance company and ask how to file a claim. Don’t agree to give a recorded statement, and avoid describing your injuries.
5. See a Doctor
If you suffered injuries, go to the hospital. It’s important to seek emergency medical care when you have suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle crash. If you are unsure whether you’ve been injured or have suffered less serious injuries, you should still seek medical attention from an urgent care facility or your doctor’s office. It’s important to see a doctor immediately after the crash to obtain an accurate diagnosis and receive prompt care. This can prevent your injuries from worsening and protect your legal rights.
6. Keep a Journal
Write down everything you remember about your collision as soon as possible, documenting the events while your memory is fresh. Be as detailed as possible, and date the entry. You should also keep a pain journal to describe how your injuries affect you each day. Be honest in your descriptions and discussions with your doctor. Don’t exaggerate how your injuries affect you.
7. Gather Documents
You’ll need several documents for an insurance claim, including the following:
- Medical bills
- Lab reports
- Diagnostic information
- Doctor’s notes
- Nurses’ notes
- Wage statements showing lost earnings
- Photographs from the scene
- Other expenses
- Copy of the police report
Consult a Lawyer
Finally, one of the most essential steps to take after a motorcycle accident is to consult an experienced motorcycle crash attorney at the Law Offices of Bryan Musgrave. You should speak with a lawyer before you sign anything from the insurance company or give a recorded statement to the adjuster. Our lawyers can protect your rights and prevent you from making mistakes that could harm your claim. Call us for a free consultation today at 417-322-2222 or contact us online.