Being involved in a motorcycle accident is never ideal. Even the smallest of collisions can cause significant damage to your bike and its riders. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you are in a motorcycle accident, there are several things you will need to do.
Take a look at these tips to learn more about the steps you should take immediately following a motorcycle accident.
At the Scene
Immediately following your accident, it’s likely that a lot of confusion will be going on. You will first need to assess your damages and make sure you are in a safe location to handle the aftermath of the accident. Avoid staying in traffic and, if possible, move your bike to the side of the road.
However, there are times when you will simply need to get away from the scene. For example, if a structure is on fire, or if you are near a dangerous drop-off, you will need to move to safety quickly. Calling 911 as soon as possible should be your first priority.
Above all, you will need to stay at the scene and stay as calm as possible. Wait for law enforcement and rescue assistance. In the meantime, take as many photos of the scene and the damage to your property as you safely can.
If possible, you may also want to draw a diagram of the accident and where the vehicles involved were located. This can be valuable evidence for your insurance company to use during their investigation. You should also make sure you exchange contact information with the other party and jot down the police report number, if available.
Visit the Doctor
With just about any accident, it is a good idea to go ahead and head to the ER to get checked out. Many of the injuries you receive from an accident will be masked until the next day or later. This is particularly the case with motorcycle accidents where you have little protection from injuries.
A trip to the ER will help determine what injuries might have happened as a result of the crash. This is also an excellent way to document your injuries officially and gather evidence of them. If you skip this step, many insurance companies will be hesitant to reimburse you for any doctor’s visits at a later time.
Get the Ball Rolling
After everything is cleaned up from the accident, you will want to get the ball rolling as quickly as possible. It’s best to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Even if the accident isn’t your fault, you will need to talk to your insurance company. There are times when the other party doesn’t have insurance, or when additional expenses might need to be handled under your policy.
You will also need to start the claim process under the insurance company who will be paying for the repairs. So, this is another call you will need to make. Keep in mind, that most repairs and reimbursements won’t be able to get started until a police report is filed, but getting a claim started will save you time in the long run.
Don’t Rush the Process
Above all else, one of the most important things you should do after a motorcycle accident is not to rush the process of getting your bike repaired. All the damaged should be properly documented before any damage is repaired. You will also need to keep track of all your expenses related to your bike accident. This includes repairs, doctor’s visits and any rental charges you may incur due to needing a separate vehicle to drive.
These tips will help you get the process of getting back on your feet started. However, to get the ball rolling in the right direction even faster, contact an attorney. Call us today to begin the process of getting the restitution you deserve.
