If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, your first priority should always be addressing your health and safety. It is important to act immediately to protect your legal rights, especially if you’ve suffered significant injuries. When possible, the information you are able to collect following an accident, at the scene, can lead to the positive outcome of any future claims.
The following are beneficial steps victims should take following their accident:
- Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries
If medical attention is not required at the scene of the accident, it is important to be checked out as soon as possible following your accident. Some injuries, even serious ones, may take 24-48 hours for symptoms to present. - Contact law enforcement
If an ambulance is not required at the scene of an accident, contacting the local police department to report the incident should be the first thing you do. - Obtain the contact information of all parties involved
It is imperative that you collect the information of all parties involved in the accident:
– Names of drivers
– Telephone numbers
– Names of insurance companies
– Drivers license numbers
– License plate numbers - Take photographs to document the incident
– Multiple angles of the accident scene
– Any visible injuries
– Damages to the vehicle(s) involved
– Anything else that may be relevant to the case (wet pavement, oil-slicked road, etc.) - Get statements from witnesses
When obtaining statements from those witnesses present at the scene, be sure to write down their names and contact information in the case they may need to be contacted in the future for follow-up. - File a claim with your insurance company
Sticking to only the facts, contact your insurance company to document the incident - Document the events just before the accident
While fresh in memory, write down the details leading up to and just before the accident occurred; even the smallest details can potentially impact your claim later on. - Keep an accident journal
Document any pain or discomfort you may experience following the accident from day to day. Keep track of all doctor appointments, as well as notate any inconveniences related to the accident and your injuries (eg. missed work days). - Seek legal counsel
Consult an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to assist with establishing liable parties as well as handle the claims process.
At Kwartler Manus, our team of attorneys know exactly how to approach a motorcycle accident case. We know the reality is that many drivers on the roadways often tend to overlook or discount motorcyclists, leading to many serious accidents; and we are here to stand up for your rights. Contact us online or by phone at (267) 457-5570 to discuss your situation and determine your options in pursuing a case.