A motorcycle accident may result in severe injuries and high emotions. You may find yourself in an emotionally unstable state whether it's your fault or someone else's. It's important to remain calm and take the right steps after the accident because your actions can have significant consequences when you end up filing your insurance claim or any other legal disputes. What you do immediately at the scene of the accident and even afterwards is key.
We'll go over a few guidelines on what to do after a motorcycle accident.
Check whether the parties involved are OK
First and foremost, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Calling for help will not make you liable in any way. If everyone is safe, turn off the engine and switch on the hazard lights.
Take photos
Getting pictures of the accident scene is important but you need to ensure that it's safe for you to do so. If you're not injured, you can use your phone or a camera and try to ensure you get pictures from different angles. You may also want to take pictures of the surrounding environment because it could help to prove your case. You can also take a video of the aftermath of the motorcycle crash.
Call the police
After the motorcycle accident, call the police if:
- The other driver has fled the scene without providing any details
- You think the other driver is intoxicated or lacks insurance
- If you suspect the other driver caused the accident intentionally
- Someone is seriously injured
Get witness statements
Witness statements can help you to prove your claim and paint a picture of the motorcycle accident. Make sure you get the contact details of a few people who witnessed the motorcycle accident before leaving the scene. If you can, write down the witness accounts of the crash detailing all they observed.
You may also want to record the following information at the accident scene:
- Make, model and number plate of the motorcycle/car involved in the crash
- Time and date of the accident
- Driving conditions such as road quality, weather, and lighting
- Involved parties that were injured
- If you were the only person involved in the crash and damaged private property, leave a note where the owner can see. You may find yourself in serious trouble if your number plate is caught on camera later.
Contact an attorney
You'll need the help of a lawyer, preferably one who specializes in motorcycle accident cases. Call attorney if:
- You are wrongly accused of causing the accident
- You have sustained injuries or associated costs because of the motorcycle accident
- The insurance company has refused to compensate
Notify the insurance company
Get in touch with your insurance company. They will ask for some information including:
- Your policy number, motorcycle registration number
- Your motorcycle insurance details and
- Details of the other drivers/cyclists involved where applicable
Source by George N Anderson
