A motorcycle accident is a stressful and shocking experience. However, understanding how to handle an accident will ensure the victim is prepared for anything. Before riding a motorcycle, know the ten steps to take after an accident to stay safe and protect your legal rights.
Get Away from the Bike
While riders are always concerned about their bikes, the first thing to do is get away from the motorcycle. Staying safe requires leaving the bike behind and moving to a safe area to avoid any other accidents or injuries after a motorcycle accident.
Do Not Remove Your Protective Gear
After a motorcycle accident, the rider could experience an adrenaline rush. As a result, a victim might not feel any pain even if they are seriously injured. With that in mind, do not remove any protective gear until the ambulance arrives.
Call the Police and Get a Report
Always call 911 immediately after a bike accident to get a police report. The police arrive at the scene to collect evidence and present the facts in a report outlining the events and conditions present.
Get Photos of the Scene of the Accident
If you can physically take photographs, try to grab your cell phone and get pictures of the accident. Don’t move anything or change the accident scene before taking photos to depict what happened at the scene accurately.
Talk to Witnesses
It is crucial to assess the situation firsthand for those who can walk and talk after a motorcycle accident. Look at everything, take photographs, and collect names, numbers, and as much information as possible from any witnesses.
Seek Immediate Medical Care and Treatment
Always seek immediate medical care and treatment after a motorcycle accident even if you don’t feel hurt. Some injuries take time to appear, and you want to reserve your rights to obtain future treatment, if necessary. Plus, the cost is covered by no-fault insurance.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company, but avoid making other statements until you talk to a lawyer. The insurance companies are looking out for their own interests and not the victim so they can pay as little as possible for the claim.
Consult an Experienced Lawyer
Before talking to anyone else or making any formal statements, consult an experienced lawyer to determine if you have a case. A lawyer takes care of all the details so you don’t have to worry about anything but getting better.
Don’t Make Any Other Statements
Never make any statements to parties other than your legal representative. Any statements made can be used to minimize your claim and attempt to place blame on someone else to reduce the cost of the claim.
Continue Medical Treatments
Finally, it is imperative to visit with doctors as recommended by your medical team. In addition, always share medical records and information with your lawyer so they can help you get the best possible settlement for the case.
A motorcycle accident is a stressful situation that causes severe injuries and losses. The first step is seeking medical treatment and consulting an experienced lawyer to obtain information about your legal rights. With the help of a legal team, you can get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and move forward again with your life.
