If you are a biker, you know that accidents can happen anytime and anywhere. You may be a careful and responsible rider, but you cannot control the actions of other road users or the conditions of the road. Knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident is essential to protect yourself from further harm and increase your recovery.
The Key Steps
Knowing what steps to take to protect your rights and interests is essential if you are involved in a motorcycle accident. Here are some important points to remember:
- Get to safety. After an accident involving other vehicles, moving out of the way of more harm is essential. Generally, motorists involved in accidents will move their cars out of traffic if it is safe. However, simply removing yourself from the scene and leaving the motorcycle behind is sometimes safer when collisions involve bikers.
- Keep protective gear on. – If you are wearing a helmet or other safety gear during the accident, leave these elements on. Adrenaline and shock may prevent you from feeling the pain of your injuries. As a result, you might risk further harm and exacerbate injuries you are unaware of.
- Call the police. After any crash, it’s imperative that those involved call the police and report the accident. The police will document the scene, take statements from witnesses, and determine who was at fault. This will help you later when you file a claim with your insurance company or pursue legal action against the other party.
- Seek medical attention. – When calling the police, ask for emergency medical attention. Even if you think you are not injured, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately but can worsen or cause complications later. A doctor can examine you, diagnose any injuries, prescribe treatment, and provide you with a medical report that proves your injuries were caused by the accident.
- Exchange information. – It’s important to exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. You should get their name, address, phone number, license plate number, driver’s license number, insurance company, and policy number. You should also get the contact information of witnesses who saw the accident.
- Gather evidence. Take photos and videos of the damage to your bike, the other vehicle(s), and any injuries you or others sustained. Also, take note of the road conditions, weather, traffic signs, and any other relevant factors that may have contributed to the accident.
- Report the accident to your insurer. You should report the accident to your insurer and that of the at-fault driver after leaving the scene and getting medical attention. Your statement should be brief and include the time, date, location of the crash, location of damages, and basic injury details. It’s important to share only the strictly necessary facts at that point.
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney. – Motorcycle accidents can be complex and involve multiple parties and laws. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, you may also face challenges from the other driver’s insurance company or insurer. To protect your rights and interests, it is advisable to consult a lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accident cases. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with the insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
- Maintain a record of life after your accident. After the accident, you should follow up on your medical treatment and heed your doctor’s instructions. You should keep all your medical records and receipts as proof of your expenses and damages. You should also keep track of any lost wages, pain, suffering, or other losses resulting from the accident.
Other Tips
Finally, be careful what you say and do. After a motorcycle accident, you should be careful what you say and do to avoid hurting your claim or case. Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident, because the other party’s insurer can use this statement against you. You should also consult your lawyer before signing any documents or accepting any offers from the other party’s insurer.
Representation for Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can be traumatic and life-changing events. They can cause serious injuries, damage to your bike, and emotional distress. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident and injured due to the negligence of another rider or driver, contact our office as soon as possible. Reach out to our experienced North Carolina motorcycle accident attorneys at (919) 526-0450 or through our contact page. We have three conveniently located offices across North Carolina in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Fayetteville. We also travel to meet clients who are unable to reach our offices.
