I’ve been in a motorcycle accident, what should I do at the scene?

Being involved in a vehicle accident is one of the most stressful events an individual can go through, and when an accident involves a motorcycle, the situation is even more challenging due to the lack of bodily protection. Knowing how to react can make a world of difference in the outcome, both in terms of your medical needs and your legal needs. While the hope is that you enjoy every moment on the open road, the following information is provided in the event you experience a motorcycle accident.

What is the top priority in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident?

Perhaps the most important thing you can do in the moments following a motorcycle accident is to try and stay as calm as possible. This is easier said than done, but you should make every effort to breathe deeply and regain focus. A clear head enables you to make good decisions.

It’s also important to assess the scene as well as your personal condition. When a serious accident occurs, your body floods with stress hormones. This can send you into a state of shock and mask normal pain signals. It is not uncommon for someone to sustain serious injuries during a motorcycle accident and be unaware of the damage.

Carefully check for signs of broken bones or lacerations. If you are bleeding, place pressure on the wound and let someone know right away. If your injuries are severe, call for help or ask someone else to make that call for you.

What should be done to secure the scene of a motorcycle accident?

Once you’ve checked on your personal safety, the next step is to make a swift assessment of the scene. If your bike is in the path of oncoming traffic and it is safe to redirect traffic around it, ask for help in doing so. If there is fuel or oil near the bike, stay away and prevent others from getting too close.

If the scene is safe, try to take pictures from as many angles as possible. This is another area where you can ask witnesses for help. Be sure to get contact information from anyone who witnessed the actual accident, including phone numbers, full names, addresses, and business phone numbers.

You should also get the full insurance information from anyone else involved in the accident. Be sure to provide your own insurance information, as well. It’s a good idea to take down your own notes about the make, model, color, and license plates for each vehicle involved.

How important is the police report in a motorcycle accident?

When police arrive at the scene, provide as much detail as possible as they take down notes for their report. An accurate police report is very helpful if your case eventually goes to court. Take down the officer’s full name and badge number, as well as the report number. If possible, ask for a copy of the report.

If the final version of the report is not fully accurate, you might be able to correct those issues by providing the officer with your own documentation. Even something as simple as an incorrect license plate or inaccurate time of the accident can become problematic as the case moves forward.

What should I do after I return home from a motorcycle accident?

Once you receive treatment for injuries and head home, there are steps you can take to strengthen your legal position in a motorcycle accident case. Perhaps the most important thing to do is to fight the urge to repair your bike right away. Preserving the condition of the motorcycle can become very important if there are questions about the extent of damage.

You should also preserve the clothing worn during the accident. Damage to your clothes can help support your injury claims.

You can also sit down and write out a detailed account of the accident. Include things like the weather, the lighting conditions, road conditions, and the events that led up to the crash. Be sure to complete this step as soon as possible, as details tend to fade from your memory over time. Having these recollections in writing can help your attorney better understand the specifics of your case.

When should I contact an attorney after a motorcycle accident?

Once you’ve been treated for serious injuries, take time to consider your legal needs. Reach out to a skilled motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will review the details of the case with you and discuss potential courses of action. You’ll have all the details needed to make an informed decision about how to move forward.

Many accidents require legal guidance in order to receive fair compensation, and when an accident involves a motorcycle, the losses can be significant. Your attorney can help process your insurance claim and work to ensure you are fairly compensated if another party is at fault. Attorneys who practice in this area of law are familiar with the rules, requirements, and standard practices of personal injury cases, and will work closely with you until your case is resolved.