A motorcycle crash is a terrifying experience. The moments right after it happens can feel like a blur of shock and adrenaline, making it incredibly difficult to think clearly. However, having a plan for what to do after a motorcycle accident can make all the difference for your health, safety, and legal rights. Here’s a simple guide to the first steps to take after a motorcycle accident.
Your Immediate Priority: Get to Safety and Call for Help
First and foremost, your health is what matters most. As soon as you can, try to move yourself and your bike to a safe place, out of the way of traffic. Even if you feel fine, don’t take off your helmet or any other protective gear. The adrenaline from the crash can mask serious injuries, and you don’t want to make things worse.
Call 911 right away. Whether the crash seems minor or catastrophic, getting an emergency crew to the scene ensures you and anyone else involved are checked out by a professional. This medical evaluation is critical for your well-being and is one of the most important steps to take after a motorcycle accident to build a strong case later on. This is a point that many personal injury lawyers emphasize to their clients.
Gather Facts at the Scene, Not Just Names
If you’re able to, start documenting everything as soon as you can. A simple camera phone is your best tool here. Take photos and videos of your injuries, the damage to your motorcycle, and the other vehicle involved. Don’t forget to capture the wider scene, the road conditions, any traffic signs, skid marks, or anything else that might be relevant.
Next, get the other driver’s information: their name, phone number, address, and insurance details. Also, look for any witnesses. Their testimony can be incredibly helpful later on, which is why a personal injury lawyer will always advise you to gather this information.
Wait for the Police and Be Smart About What You Say
Always call the police, no matter how small the accident seems. A police report provides an official, unbiased record of what happened. It will include key details that you might forget, which are vital for any insurance claim or legal action.
When the police arrive, be cooperative and state the facts clearly. Don’t get into a long, rambling story. Just tell them what happened, where it happened, and who was involved. Most importantly, do not admit fault. Avoid saying “I’m sorry” or taking any blame, as that could be used against you later.
Keep a Paper Trail and Talk to a Professional
The actions you take after the crash are just as important as the ones at the scene. This is one of the key steps to take after a motorcycle accident to ensure your claim is successful. Keep a detailed record of every single thing related to your recovery. This includes all of your medical visits, physical therapy appointments, prescriptions, and any other out-of-pocket expenses. It’s also a good idea to keep a journal of your daily pain levels and how the injuries are impacting your life and work.
Finally, contact a personal injury lawyer. They can help you navigate the tricky process of dealing with insurance companies, protect your rights, and make sure you get the full compensation you deserve. Consulting with experienced personal injury lawyers is crucial for your peace of mind and is the final and most important step to take after a motorcycle accident.
