When you get into a motor vehicle accident of any type, these steps will help ensure your safety. Taking the right steps can also help ensure that you recover the damages you deserve for your injuries.
After a vehicle crash, get safely off the roadway but, if possible, leave your bike where it is. Call 911 and request police and an ambulance. Even if you believe you aren’t hurt, having EMTs check you out is a good idea. You could be in shock or have internal injuries that you aren’t aware of.
If others sustained injuries, check on them if you can do so safely. Never try to move an accident victim, however, if you suspect they might have neck or spine injuries.
Take pictures of the accident scene and all vehicles involved. Collect information from any witnesses and exchange information with other motorists who were involved. Be sure you get photos of the other vehicles’ license plate and the driver’s insurance information.
No matter what you believe took place, do not admit fault to the police or other parties. You have no way to know what might have happened, and admitting fault could jeopardize your potential claim. Provide facts and information for the police report and nothing more.
After an accident, go to the emergency room or see a doctor immediately for a full medical evaluation. Shock and other factors can mask the signs of serious injury. Your medical records will form the basis of your injury accident claim, and, if you refuse medical evaluation, the insurance company can use that factor to deny your claim.
After any type of personal injury accident, do not talk to or provide a statement for any insurance company – including yours – until you talk to a lawyer. Insurance companies will go to great lengths to minimize their liability. If you provide a statement, they can use your words to deny your claim. Likewise, don’t sign any documents or accept any checks from the insurer, even if they tell you it’s a partial payment. If you endorse their check, you could be signing away your right to recover fair compensation. Talking to a motorcycle accident lawyer won’t cost you anything, and you’ll get the answers you need to make good decisions. If fact, you won’t have to pay any legal fees until your attorney recovers compensation for your injuries.