Motorcycle accidents can occur out of nowhere. Unfortunately, even the most careful motorcycle enthusiast can endure a serious crash. When dealing with the long-term repercussions of what happened, you are probably asking yourself, ‘What do I do after a motorcycle accident?’
Check Yourself For Injuries
Before you do anything else, check yourself over for injuries. A motorcycle accident can lead to neck, spinal, and head injuries. It’s also common for riders to endure broken bones, minor cuts, scrapes, and internal hematomas. If not treated properly from the onset of your injury, the long term impact of these injuries can be severe and unforeseen in your daily life. Do not assume you’re one of the lucky few with slight wounds. No matter how minor, let a doctor or paramedic examine you for signs of internal hemorrhaging or other apparent injuries, you may shrug off in the wave of adrenaline you are almost certain to experience.
Call Emergency Services
If you can, call the police or ask someone to call for you. Responding officers will investigate the scene, collect important witness information and statements, and collect other imperative information that you will need to recover for your harms and losses. Do not rely on others to do the right thing. Too often, people change their stories or outright forget what they saw, heard, or did the day of.
Depending on your injuries, you may need an ambulance to take you to the hospital for immediate care. Even if you do not think you need immediate emergency care, still ask the police to send a paramedic to the crash site. The paramedics will thoroughly evaluate you for injuries seen or unseen. Too often, injured people dismiss serious injuries under the influence of adrenaline and disbelief. Do not gamble with your health. After paramedics arrive at the crash site and evaluate you, you can make an informed decision whether you need emergency transportation. If you decline transportation at that time, you will not have to provide your health insurance information or pay out of pocket for transportation.
Take Photos and Talk To Witnesses
It goes without saying that the insurance company is not your best friend. They are not looking out for your best interest.
If you are ambulatory, it’s crucial to gather evidence before you leave the crash site regardless of any investigation being conducted by responding officers. Snap some photographs or video of the damage and accident scene including any tread marks and debris left on the road, talk to eyewitnesses and get their contact information, and acquire the police report number for the incident. Also collect any gear from your bike or attire that became dislodged during the crash. This evidence will be crucial for later expert evaluation.
Speak To A Lawyer
Right after your motorcycle accident, call an experienced attorney. Even a minor accident could turn into a legal mess or battle because of issues regarding the other driver and the insurance companies that are involved.
Your lawyer is one of the most important phone calls you can make after an accident. Your accident attorney will help you file a claim seeking compensation for all the harms and losses you suffered at the hands of a negligent party. An experienced lawyer will also take quick action to preserve evidence and witness statements that can prove crucial to the later success of your claim to recover all your harms and losses. Your harms and losses can include the monetary loss of your bike and gear, medical bills, wage loss, psychological impact of the crash, and importantly, the impact your injuries had on your ability to enjoy the everyday activities you loved prior to the crash.
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident in San Diego, call Lehr Law at (858) 240-9993 or request a free consultation online today!