It is fun to go on a road trip on your motorcycle. You can feel the breeze as you ride alongside the beautiful scenery. However, even the most careful riders can be involved in an accident. Motorcycle accidents can be frustrating, expensive, and also cause debilitating injuries. It is important to note that any actions after the crash may significantly affect any personal injury claim you may wish to pursue. Your actions should serve your best interests. Here are a few things that you should do immediately after a motorcycle accident.
Look After Your Safety
When you are involved in an accident, the first thing you should do is to keep yourself safe. Move away from the road and out of living traffic. You never know if there will be a second wave of an accident. Maintain a good distance from vehicles with leaking gas or one that is on fire.
Get Contact Information
Once you are safe, get the contact information of everyone involved in the crash. If you are not the only victim, get contact details from other victims as well. Collect necessary information such as name, address, mobile phone number, insurance details, and license plate numbers. It would be best if you also take note of the car models and description of all vehicles. If you can, take pictures of the vehicles and the area of the accident.
Call Local Authorities
Make sure to call 911 yourself — do not assume that someone will call for you. If there is significant property damage, you should fill out a police report. If you or anyone is injured, ask for medical assistance. This step is pretty essential. Remember that a police report is crucial if you want to file a motorcycle accident claim. According to a blog from Adamson & Cleveland, LLC (https://adamsoncleveland.com/motorcycle-accident-lawyer/), motorcycle riders get tagged as reckless drivers, so getting a police report can prove that you are the victim. Once the officers are at the scene, get their names as well, so it will be easy for your lawyers to follow up.
Do Not Leave the Scene of the Accident
If you can, you must stay at the scene of the accident. Use this time to exchange relevant information with the parties involved. Since the responding officers will also create their police report, they may want to get statements from you. Stay until you are cleared to go.
Look for Witnesses
While still on the scene (and if you can), look for potential witnesses. They will help you build your case if there is a need to do so. Ask witnesses and record their observations. Get their names as well so you can quickly get back to them when you are not so shaken anymore. Be sure to extract as much information from them while the incident is still fresh in their minds.
Never Apologize
If you are in an accident, the immediate response can be to apologize. Even if the cause of the crash is still unknown, do not apologize, as this may mean admitting fault. This admission can be used against you should you file for a claim.
Let Your Insurance Company Know About the Accident
Reporting to your insurance company is part of your documentation of the accident. If you let your insurance company know about the crash, this sends a message that you are indeed the victim.
Riding safely is paramount for motorcycle riders. However, accidents can happen at any time. If you are appropriately informed about what you should and should not do after an accident, it could help you win your case. Make sure to follow our tips and ride safe!
