(Article contributed by West Coast Trial Lawyers, LA)
One of the best experiences that a person could possibly have is riding on a motorcycle. It offers a sense of freedom and mobility that can’t quite be matched by any other type of vehicle. Think about it, unlike with a car or a train, there isn’t really anything that’s separating you and the outside world. Motorcycles also have the advantage of being able to reach thrilling high speeds unlike other modes of transportation such as bicycles and mopeds.
Yes, motorcycles can offer you a world of excitement, but the one thing that they have in common with other types of vehicles is that accidents do happen. As with any driver, an accident can be a terrifying and stressful situation that no one really wants to deal with. As with any kind of adverse situation, however, it is important that you know how to handle yourself if you are ever in an accident.
Get to Safety
In the immediate aftermath of the accident, the first order of business should not be to call a motorcycle injury lawyer or accident attorney but to get yourself out the roadway and traffic so that no further harm will come to you. The most important thing at this moment is to make sure that your situation doesn’t become any worse by risking even more injury than what has probably already occurred. You can handle all of the legal matters once you’re safe and have handled everything at the scene.
Things to look out for as you are moving to safety are gas leaking vehicles, cars or other objects on fire, anything that has been damaged during the accident, and roadside drop-offs and cliffs.
Check to See If You or Anyone Else Has Been Injured
Next, you should check to see if you or the other involved party has been injured. Even if it appears that you and everyone else is fine, you should still call 911 and have them look you over anyway as certain injuries may not make themselves apparent at that moment. It is crucial that you keep in mind that just because you were the one who called the paramedics that you will not automatically be held responsible.
Call the Local Law Enforcement to Report the Accident
This step can be considered optional in the sense that sometimes the police aren’t immediately contacted in the case of accidents (motorcycle or otherwise). Even if any issues that arise are minimal (such as minor injury and very little property damage) the police may be needed to take down details of what happened and to help decide if a motorcycle accident attorney should be contacted immediately.
Gather Information
Once you have contacted the police, they will proceed to write their police report and will be used as documentation to provide details for your case. To further ensure that you are able to properly prove your innocence in this matter and secure any potential compensation, you should gather information. This gathering of evidence should include you doing the following:
- Speak to anyone who may have witnessed the accident which can include passengers and other drivers. Be sure to also talk to the attending law enforcement official
- Photos of the scene (which should only be done if there is no further risk of you being injured or causing any further damage to property. Make sure that you take pictures of any surrounding street signs as well)
- Contact information, which can be names, phone numbers or even email addresses of all witnesses
- The VIN (vehicle identification number) of any cars that were involved
- The badge number and name of the police officer at the scene
- The number of the police report
- The name insurance company name and their contact information from all other parties involved
Gathering all of this information will really help you out in the long run when it comes time to contact your insurance provider or when speaking to a motorcycle personal injury attorney as you will be able to provide them with information to help you with your case.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you are able to find the time after the accident, you should contact your insurance company and tell them what happened. As stated previously, all of the information that you have collected will help your insurance provider help you to collect your compensation.
Make sure that you have had any injuries that you may have sustained looked over by a doctor and that a mechanic has checked out your motorcycle before letting your insurer know about these issues. That way, you don’t run the risk of underestimating any compensation that you may be able to receive.
Do Not Take Any Blame On Yourself
Under no circumstances should you claim responsibility for what happened. You should follow this advice regardless of whether you’re speaking to any law enforcement official or your insurance company. This is to avoid your claim being denied and to keep away blame for anything that wasn’t your fault.
Keep your statements limited to what happened and if you have a motorcycle accident attorney helping you-you can ask them for further assistance with handling your case.
Contact An Attorney
Up until this point, You’ve only received small nudges from this article in regards to calling a motorcycle injury lawyer. In all honesty, it really is to your benefit to contact one to secure your financial and legal future in the aftermath of the accident.
A motorcycle accident attorney will be able to assist you if you have any of the other parties involved decide to wrongly accuse you of causing the accident. If any medical complications arise that you can’t afford, you can look into a motorcycle personal injury attorney.
Do As Your Doctor Says
The final thing that you should do (if you have been injured in your accident, that is) is to follow your doctor’s directions to the letter. Not only will this help you quickly heal from your injuries but it will lessen the number of permanent damages on your body. Be sure that you follow his directions to the letter and always follow up on their instructions.