A motorcycle accident can result in serious injuries and intense emotions. It is possible that you are in an emotionally unstable state, either through your fault or through someone else’s fault. It is important to stay calm and take appropriate action after the accident because your actions can have significant consequences when you end up filing your insurance claim or any other legal dispute. What you do immediately at the scene of the accident and even afterward is key.
We will go over some guidelines on what to do after a motorcycle accident.
Check if the parties involved are okay
First of all, check yourself and others for injuries. If someone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Asking for help will not make you responsible in any way. If everyone is safe, turn off the engine and turn on your hazard lights.
Take photos
Obtaining images of the accident scene is important, but you must ensure that it is safe to do so. If you are not injured, you can use your phone or a camera and try to make sure you get pictures from different angles. You may also want to take pictures of the surrounding environment, as it might help prove your case. You can also take a video of the aftermath of the motorcycle accident.
Call the police
After the motorcycle accident, call the police if:
- The other driver has fled the scene without giving details.
- You think the other driver is intoxicated or uninsured
- If you suspect that the other driver intentionally caused the accident
- someone is badly hurt
You can discuss the accident with the police officer assigned to investigate it. During this discussion, do not admit responsibility. The most important thing is that you do not give any statement until you contact your lawyer. Then, your lawyer will indicate the steps to follow.
Obtain witness statements
Witness statements can help you prove your claim and paint a picture of the motorcycle accident. Be sure to get the contact details of a few people who witnessed the motorcycle accident before you left the scene. If you can, write down any eyewitness accounts of the accident detailing everything they observed.
You can also record the following information at the accident scene:
- Make, model and license plate of the motorcycle/car involved in the accident
- Time and date of the accident
- Driving conditions, such as road quality, weather, and lighting.
- Involved parties who were injured
- If you were the only person involved in the accident and you damaged private property, leave a note where the landlord can see it. You may find yourself in serious trouble if your license plate number is caught on camera later.
Contact a lawyer
You will need the help of a lawyer, preferably one who specializes in motorcycle accident cases. Call a lawyer if:
- You are wrongly accused of causing the accident.
- You have suffered injuries or associated costs due to the motorcycle accident
- The insurance company has refused to pay
notify the insurance company
Contact your insurance company. They will ask you for certain information including:
- Your policy number, motorcycle registration number
- Your motorcycle insurance details and
- Details of the other drivers/cyclists involved where applicable
The above were helpful tips on what to do after a motorcycle accident. Drive safely!