Immediately after a motorcycle accident, seeking medical attention is most important. Serious injuries may not be visible right away and can cause serious complications down the road.
Move off the roadway to a safe location and turn on your hazard lights if possible. Also, please speak to any eyewitnesses and collect their contact information. When you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, seeking the assistance of the best motorcycle accident attorney is not just a wise choice; it’s often crucial for protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. In this article, we’ll explore the significant importance of hiring a motorcycle accident attorney after an accident.
Get Medical Attention
If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, your health should be your priority. Call 911 or ask someone nearby to call. Even seemingly minor injuries can worsen over time, so it is important to undergo a medical evaluation as soon as possible.
If the other vehicle’s driver is present, get their name and insurance information. It is also helpful to get their registration number and license plate information.
Witness statements can help strengthen your compensation case, especially if the other driver is found to be at fault for the accident. Additionally, keeping track of all medical bills, prescriptions, and invoices will support your claim for economic damages, such as ongoing treatment or therapy costs. You could also be entitled to compensatory damages for loss of enjoyment of life if your injury permanently disables you.
Notify Your Insurance Company
If you can do so, it is important to notify your insurance company about the accident. You may also want to gather information from witnesses, such as their names, home addresses, and phone numbers. Additionally, take pictures of the scene and both vehicles. Even though this might seem gruesome, it will benefit your case. If you feel unwell after the crash, visit a doctor to get checked out. Internal injuries may not initially show symptoms, but they can worsen if left untreated.
Be aware that the insurance representatives might ask you to give a recorded statement about what happened. If you are uncomfortable giving a statement immediately, tell them you will schedule it later.
Take Photos and Videos
Photos are essential in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident. They can prove the extent of your injuries and how they have changed over time, supporting doctor assessments and the need for future treatments.
It is important to take up-close images of the damage and wide-angle shots of the scene. Also, try to capture any skid marks on the road that may affect how the crash occurred.
Photographing the scene’s surroundings, including nearby buildings and traffic signs, is also good. This information can help a jury better understand how the accident happened and may be useful later when determining liability. Also, take a few close-up photos of each vehicle’s license plate.
Communicate with Witnesses
Witness statements can be valuable evidence in a motorcycle accident case. They provide an independent account of how the crash occurred, which is important in determining fault and liability.
It’s best to speak to witnesses at the scene. Ask them to provide their names, phone numbers, and a brief account of what they saw.
Also, get their statements in writing. Mental notes are sometimes skewed over time and stress, so the written proof will be more reliable. A police officer will usually come to the scene and create a report. Ensure you get the officer’s name and badge number and a copy of the report. This will serve as the first official record of the accident. It will also contain vital information that you will need for your personal injury claim.
Make Detailed Notes
While the memory of a motorcycle accident can be confusing and disorienting, it is important to try and write down as many details as possible at the scene. This includes the names, addresses, contact information, license plate numbers of everyone involved in the crash, eyewitnesses, and anything else you may want to document.
Make detailed notes about your injuries and the accident. This will help you remember everything about the event and can also be useful when pursuing compensation for your damages.
Remember to keep your safety first when collecting these details at the accident scene. Move yourself out of traffic if possible and take pictures of the scene, including any visible injuries.
