Being caught under an accident, whether it’s a motorcycle or a four-wheeler, can be a traumatic experience. Considering the extent of injury you have sustained, you probably won’t be able to do anything at first. But the key is to be calm and get yourself some help at the beginning. Once you feel better, you should start following some specific steps accordingly.
Here’s what you need to know about it.
Surviving a Motorcycle Incident – 7 Must-Do Steps
When a motorcycle accident occurs, both of the drivers will be in shock for a few seconds first. But, if you are not injured, I would suggest you take the first step and call the police.
Nonetheless, in most cases, you may follow a standard protocol that we have listed below. This will guide you through the entire procedure in a thorough manner.
Or, if you want to play it safe, you can also call a motorcycle accident lawyer. After all, they do have decent experience in this field. So, they’ll surely be able to help you out as required.
With necessary information, good specialists can bring a deep understanding of the unique dynamics and laws pertaining to motorcycle incidents. In contrast with insurance companies, they can effectively navigate the often complex interactions with insurance companies, ensuring that your side of the story is accurately represented and your rights are fully protected. Overall, a good motorcycle accident lawyer will meticulously prepare your case, gathering evidence and expert testimonies to ensure that all your medical expenses, repair costs, and other damages are thoroughly accounted for and justly compensated.
But will they play the Role of a Catastrophic Injury Attorney? Well, yes, to some extent. If you are tensed about it, though, I’d suggest you ask both of them about how they can help you.
1: Check for Injuries
The first thing you should do is check yourself for any injuries. Take a deep breath and try to remain calm. If you’re able, move to a safe spot away from traffic to prevent further harm.
Once you’re in a safe place, assess your body for any pain, bruises, or cuts. Don’t forget to check for signs of shock, like rapid breathing or sweating.
If you are unable to understand your condition properly, I’d suggest asking a bystander to help you out. If needed, they can also take you to the doctor and get you treated properly.
2: Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel alright, it’s still important to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not show immediate symptoms, and a professional evaluation is the best way to ensure you’re okay.
Plus, having a medical record of your condition can be vital for any potential insurance claims or legal proceedings. However, before you do all these, it’s best to call your lawyer first.
They will tell you what you must ask the doctor to check first. The more strategic approach you take in this matter, the higher your chances will be to get the right amount of money.
3: Call for Help
Dial 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Report the accident and provide them with your location. If there are other parties involved, inform the dispatcher of any injuries they may have. Remember, it’s always better to have professional help on the way, just in case.
Even if you are not in the condition of calling, you can ask someone else to do it for you. This, in turn, will make them vouch for you during the investigation. Also, the police will know who was the first person to notify them about this accident.
So, you will be in their good books from the beginning.
4: Gather Information
Exchange information with the other parties involved. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details.
If there were any witnesses, try to get their contact information as well. Taking pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries can also be very helpful later on.
If you are feeling better, I’d ask you to document a video of the scene as soon as you can. It will help you later on, if you want to sue the other person for the damage they have caused.
5: Report the Accident
Notify the police about the accident.
Even if it’s a minor incident, having an official report can be crucial for insurance purposes. Provide them with accurate and truthful information about what happened.
When it comes to reporting the accident, it’s best to be as truthful as possible to the police. The authorities will find out the truth sooner or later anyway.
Thus, if you lie to them, you might get into a lot of legal trouble later on. If you feel like it was your fault to begin with, it may be better not to talk about anything.
6: Contact Your Insurance Company
As soon as possible, contact your insurance company to report the accident. Provide them with all the details and be honest about the situation. They will guide you through the claims process and let you know what information they need from you.
However, in some cases, the insurance company might try to hardball you. Thus, in this aspect, it’s better to talk to your attorney first and let them handle the case. If they require any kind of information from you, you can provide them from your side.
And, this is precisely what brings us to the next suggestion…
7: Document Everything
Keep a detailed record of everything related to the accident.
This includes medical records, repair estimates, correspondence with insurance companies, and any expenses you incur as a result of the accident. Having a clear record will be invaluable if you need to file a claim or pursue legal action.
Moreover, if you have called the police, documenting everything can also help you offer them a lot of information right away. This way, you can also plead your case better while ensuring that the police are on the right path with their investigation.
The Bottom Line
So, that will be all for this article.
I hope I could convey as much information as you needed through this one. Nonetheless, before I conclude, there’s something else I want you to remember till the very end.
Dealing with a motorcycle accident is never easy, but knowing what steps to take can make a world of difference. Don’t forget to prioritize your safety and well-being, and seek professional help when needed. And call your lawyer as soon as you can.
Photo courtesy of Harley Davidson
