5 Key Things You Should Do After a Motorcycle Accident

More than 5,000 motorcyclists die every year and an even more experience injuries as a result of a crash. 

If you’re hurt on your bike, it’s important that you know what to do next. 

Today, we’re sharing five things you should do after a motorcycle accident. Whether you’re an experienced biker or a newbie, these critical steps are important to remember.

Ready to learn more? Let’s go!

1. Assess the Injuries

Before you think about calling your insurance agent or pursuing legal action, it’s important that you understand the scope of the injuries sustained. 

Some motorcycle accident injuries may be life-threatening, requiring that you and anyone around you act quickly. A few examples include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Burns
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Broken Bones
• Facial Injuries

Always call 911 after an accident, even if the physical damage appears minor. Keep in mind that placing the call for help doesn’t mean you’re responsible for the accident.

2. Take Pictures of the Scene

In court, it will be your word against the defendant’s unless you can provide concrete evidence of what happens. This is where photographs come in. 

Before taking pictures, make sure the scene is safe and accessible. You don’t want to cause any additional harm in your attempt to get a good shot. When you can, take pictures from multiple angles to capture the extent of the accident. 

3. Move Your Bike

As soon as the area is safe, move your bike off the road. Perform this step even if you’re unable to get photos of the crash scene. 

Why is this step important? Leaving your bike in the middle of the road creates an additional hazard for other drivers. Especially at night when visibility diminishes, this can present a major traffic hazard.

4. Gather Key Details

If you called 911, the police will already be on the way. If not, go ahead and call your local police department now. 

In the event that your case goes to court, you’ll want an official police report as documentation and evidence of the crash, so be thorough in your answers.

In addition to the report, also strive to gather the contact information of any eyewitnesses. Other key details to write down and remember include:

• The make, model, year, and VIN number of any vehicles involved
• The police report number
• The badge number of the responding police officer
• The insurance company information for all involved vehicles

Keep all of this data in one place so you have quick access to it and can refer to it often throughout the coming weeks.

5. Make Two Important Calls

First, call your insurance agent. Keep the information brief but comprehensive and don’t delve into any issues of fault or discuss your physical injuries in detail. The agency can use any information you provide to help determine your compensation. 

Especially in the early stages of recovery, you may not feel as much pain. As such, you could underestimate your injury and receive less money than you need to recover.

Second, call your lawyer. 

As you proceed in this journey, you’ll need legal representation on your side. This partnership can help in many ways, including:

• If you’re innocent but the other party claims you’re at fault
• Your insurance company denies your compensation claim
• Your damages are greater than your policy limits
• You’re suffering severe physical, mental or emotional injuries as a result of the crash

To ensure the best outcome, partner with a law firm that’s experienced in handling motorcycle accident cases, such as the one found at https://www.terrybryant.com/motorcycle-accident. 

Top Things You Should Do After a Motorcycle Accident

When you’re injured on the road, what happens next can get complicated and confusing, quick. 

You don’t want to second-guess your next move or question the right procedure to follow. When you know the things you should do after a motorcycle accident, you’re prepared, no matter what.

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