You should take certain steps immediately after a motorcycle accident to ensure your safety and initiate the claims process. These actions include:
- Prioritizing your safety: If you’re able to, move to a safe location away from traffic. Check yourself and others for injuries.
- Call 911 to report serious injuries: If you or anyone else has sustained any serious or noticeable injuries, contact emergency services.
- Don’t remove your protective gear: Keep your helmet and other protective gear on until you're sure you're not injured. Removing your helmet prematurely can exacerbate potential injuries.
- Call the police: Report the motorcycle accident to the police and wait for an officer to arrive. An officer will document the crash scene and create a detailed police report.
- Take pictures of the crash scene: If it’s safe and you’re able to, take photos of the accident scene. Include all vehicles involved, their positions on the road, and any skid marks or debris. Also, capture street signs or landmarks to identify the location.
- Exchange information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance company names, and policy numbers.
- Gather witness information: If there are witnesses, collect their contact information. Witness accounts can reconstruct the motorcycle accident and determine liability.
What to do in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident
The actions you take during the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can impact the outcome of your case. First, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some injuries might take days to produce symptoms. Getting medical attention creates a link between your injury and the motorcycle accident. Plus, it helps you address an injury before it worsens.
Next, you should notify your insurance company of the motorcycle accident. Be factual about the details, but avoid speculating or admitting fault. Provide the date, time, location, and parties involved in the crash.