What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Common driver behaviors that result in motorcycle accidents include:

• Distracted driving: This involves using a cellphone, eating and drinking, or adjusting a built-in infotainment system. Distracted drivers often fail to see motorcyclists.
• Impaired driving: Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs often fail to react to motorcyclists. Alcohol and drug use impairs drivers’ judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
• Speeding and aggressive driving: Speeders and aggressive drivers often have little time to avoid a crash with a motorcyclist.
• Improper lane changing: Drivers often hit motorcyclists when they change lanes or merge without using caution.

Motorcyclists face significantly higher risks of injury than motor vehicle drivers. That’s because they don’t have the protection of a vehicle frame, airbag, or seatbelt. The only protection they may have is a helmet and other protective clothing.

Common injuries in motorcycle accidents include:

• Head injuries, such as concussions.
• Facial injuries, potentially leading to disfigurement or vision loss.
• Broken jaws and loss of teeth.
• Neck and back injuries, which may lead to paralysis.
• Limb injuries, possibly resulting in amputation.
• Broken bones and internal organ injuries.
• Severe cuts, bruises, and road rash, with risk of infection.

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.

An attorney can investigate your motorcycle accident and gather key evidence to support your claim. However, there are pieces of evidence you can collect to strengthen your case. That includes:

• Obtaining a copy of the police report: The police report contains an officer’s assessment of the accident scene.
• Tracking medical treatment: Keep a detailed record of all medical treatments related to the motorcycle accident. This includes doctor visits, medications, physical therapy, and any out-of-pocket expenses.
• Keeping a damage log: Document the repair process for your motorcycle and keep track of related expenses.
• Keeping a pain and suffering log: To help your attorney accurately value your claim, keep a journal of your pain and suffering. Take note of how your injury impacts your daily life.

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, there’s too much at stake to handle your claim alone. Insurance companies, who have a bias against motorcyclists, may try to shift the blame onto you by claiming that your actions were reckless. They may also reduce their payout by offering you a lowball settlement that covers only a portion of your damages.

With a Law.com Premier Motorcycle Accident Lawyer on your side, the insurance companies won’t be able to take advantage of you. Our verified attorneys will fight to protect your rights and secure fair compensation on your behalf.

Premier Attorneys also work on a contingency fee basis and won’t charge you any upfront fees for their services. You only pay after you’re fully compensated. To get started on your claim contact a lawyer near you and schedule a free consultation.