Steps to Take after a Motorcycle Accident

Owning a motorcycle can be fun and adventurous. There's nothing quite like hitting the open road on your motorcycle and you'll enjoy frequent rides just for the fun of it. However, motorcycle accidents are pretty common and if you're involved in one, you'll likely feel so stressed and emotional that you won't know what to do. Here are some tips to keep in mind so that if you're ever in an accident, you'll be able to brush yourself off and handle the situation in as levelheaded a manner as you can.

Check for Injuries

First, you'll check yourself and the others involved for injuries. If anyone is hurt, no matter how minor it may seem, make sure to call 911 immediately. If there are no injuries, call the police so they can collect accident details and have you fill out a police report. Calling for help doesn't mean that you will be held responsible for the accident. It's the right thing to do.

Take Photos and Notes

As soon as the accident happens, your mental and emotional state will go into panic mode and you'll start to forget the sequence of events. If you are able to do so, pull out your cell phone and take photos of the scene, the motorcycle, the other vehicles involved, and any surroundings that could have contributed to the accident.

Get out of Harm's Way

As soon as you can, and again, only if you're able to do so safely, move your motorcycle out of the roadway. The worst thing that could happen following an accident is for your motorcycle to cause another accident before police arrive.

Collect Information

Collect the contact information for all witnesses, as your lawyer may need this information later on. You'll also want the make, model, and license plate numbers of all vehicles involved. Talk to the other driver or drivers and get their contact information and insurance information. Finally, when you fill out a police report, be sure to collect the police report number and badge information of the responding officer.

Call Your Insurance Company

It's important to call your insurance company as soon as you can after the accident. Never admit fault for the accident or say anything that would imply you were at fault. They will hold this against you and make it more difficult for you to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. If they ask about damage, just let them know that you will provide the information as soon as you've seen a doctor and taken your motorcycle into your mechanic.

Call an Accident Attorney

Immediately following a motorcycle accident, make sure you contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney who can help you navigate the often-confusing next steps. Using your notes and photos from the accident and information from the accident report, they can begin to craft for you an excellent strategy for your pending case.

Working with an experienced lawyer following a motorcycle accident is serious business. Know what other steps to take after you've been involved in an accident.