Did you know the main cause of death in the States for people ages 1-54 are road crashes? If you’re wondering what to do when you’ve been in a motorcycle crash, we can help.
In this guide, we’ll go over what steps to take after the crash.
Want to learn more? Keep reading.
1. Don’t Leave the Scene of the Crash
After any kind of crash, you should stay at the scene. If the accident seems minor, you should still stay put.
Before worrying about exchanging passenger and driver information, make sure everyone’s okay. If someone’s injured, call 911 immediately.
2. Call the Police
You’ll need to report the accident right away to the police. The police will arrive and write a report. Some agencies won’t take a report if people aren’t injured.
Communicate injuries to the police officers. Before they leave, get their traffic accident information card with the report number. This way, you can get a copy of the report.
3. See a Doctor
After the accident, you’ll want to see a doctor and get treatment. Emergency response teams show up and transport people to the closest emergency room.
If you can walk away from the accident, you still should see a doctor. The adrenaline in your body may prevent you from feeling pain after the crash.
Some injuries won’t show any symptoms at first. Traumatic brain injuries can occur even if someone’s wearing a helmet.
The helmet can mitigate the force of the crash, but hitting your helmet on the pavement can cause damage. You might not see any evidence of the injury for days after the accident.
Internal bleeding or broken ribs aren’t immediately visible injuries. This is why you should see a medical doctor after any kind of crash.
Keep all your medical records. The records will serve as evidence of the motorcycle crash and injuries. When you seek compensation later on, you will need these records.
Insurance companies will have a hard time arguing your injuries were from another accident if you submit right away.
Medical documentation will serve as leverage when negotiating a settlement.
4. Get Contact Information
Law enforcement gathers information from witnesses and drivers at the scene.
Sometimes, law enforcement will make omissions or errors. When you wait for them to arrive, collect information from people involved in the crash.
Make sure you get emails, phone numbers, addresses, and names from drivers. Get the same information from witnesses.
Snap a picture of the license plate numbers. You should also get the insurance details from the drivers involved. Some motorists will try and leave the scene of the accident fast.
Don’t admit fault or talk about the accident with the other driver.
5. Collect Pictures From the Crash
Try to gather plenty of photographic evidence. Photographs are more reliable than a written summary of a crash.
The scene of the motorcycle accident will give information and clues. These photos help insurance companies and investigators during the investigation.
Law enforcement will take pictures too. But make sure you take photos before the evidence gets moved. Police officers can make mistakes.
Use your smartphone. Take photos and a video of the damage done to your motorcycle. Try and do the same to the vehicles involved in the crash. Every accident is different.
Focus on taking pictures of things that could help you with a lawsuit or insurance claim. You could take photos of hazards that could have caused the accident.
Try to take pictures of the road conditions as well.
6. Work With a Reputable Attorney
You might think that insurance companies will have your best interests at heart. Yet, insurance carriers don’t always try and help the drivers get well-compensated.
Before making a statement, speak to a qualified motorcycle accident attorney.
The attorney will guide you through the insurance claim process. You won’t end up saying anything that could harm your case. Your attorney will assess the situation and help you get compensated.
Before hiring an attorney, make sure you ask your network for recommendations. Work with a lawyer who has a lot of experience with motorcycle accidents.
Make a list of possible attorneys. Meet with the lawyers and decide who you’ll hire. Learn more about when to call a motorcycle accident attorney.
7. Make Sure You Don’t Accept a Low Settlement
When you claim damages after the crash, insurance providers know you need money fast.
As a result, the insurance company will try and get you to accept an early settlement. They try to avoid paying people what they are owed by offering a small settlement.
Your attorney will handle every aspect of the case. Decent lawyers will provide an honest assessment of the situation.
8. Listen to Your Doctor
After the motorcycle crash, you’ll want to follow your doctor’s orders.
Your doctor will provide you with recommendations or instructions on how to heal. To minimize lasting effects from your injuries, do what your doctor says.
Don’t forget to follow up with your physician. Take your prescribed medications. Attend physical therapy and follow through with other prescribed therapies.
Now You Know What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash
We hope this guide on what to do after a motorcycle crash was helpful. Now that you know what to do after the crash, consider looking for a reputable agent.
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