What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash
1. Call 911
Right after your accident, call 911 to summon help. Do not leave the scene of your accident. If you do, you could face criminal penalties under Mass. Gen. Laws, ch. 90, § 24(2)(a ½)(1) – (2) even if the accident is determined to be someone else’s fault.
Instead, remain at the scene and check yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid if necessary, and exchange information with the other involved motorists, including names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information.
2. Avoid Speculations
When you talk to the police and the other driver, don’t speculate about what caused your accident or admit fault. Something might have occurred that you are not aware of. Stick to the facts and only report what you observed before and during the accident.
3. Gather Evidence
If your injuries don’t prevent you from doing so, gather evidence at the scene. Take pictures with your smartphone or camera of the damage to your bike, the other vehicle, road debris, road conditions, weather conditions, and nearby traffic control devices. Ask witnesses to stay to talk to the police, and get their names and contact information so your lawyer can reach them later.
4. Seek Medical Care
Motorcycle accident victims who suffer serious injuries should accept transport via an ambulance from the accident scene. Even if your injuries appear minor, you should still see a doctor immediately. Injuries that seem minor can rapidly worsen without immediate medical attention, and you might have suffered hidden injuries you are unaware of. If your doctor can’t get you in, go to the hospital or an urgent care center for a thorough examination. Follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments. Getting prompt medical attention can facilitate a faster recovery and protect your rights if you pursue a legal claim.
5. Keep Detailed Records
Keep detailed records of everything related to your accident, including:
- Photographs from the scene
- Copies of the police and accident reports
- All correspondence with your insurance company and healthcare providers
- Medical records from your emergency care plus all follow-up appointments
- Medical bills
- Wage records showing lost wages caused by your injuries and missed work
- Names and contact information of witnesses
Motorcycle accident victims should keep a journal. Immediately after your accident, write down everything you remember that occurred while your memory is still fresh. Document how your injuries affect your daily life, and write down information about the pain you experience and how it impacts you each day.
6. Stay Off Social Media
While most people routinely share details about their lives on social media, you should avoid posting about your accident. It’s best if motorcycle accident victims avoid social media completely while their claims are pending. Insurance companies look at social media to find evidence they can use against claimants. Don’t talk about what happened, your injuries, or how you are recovering on social media.
7. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
After you have sought and received medical care, consult a personal injury attorney about your accident and rights. The attorneys at Ellis & Associates can handle communications with the insurance companies and other parties for you and represent you in your claim. They can also prevent you from making mistakes that could undermine your ability to recover compensation for your losses.
8. Be Careful with Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters are employed by insurance companies to try to minimize how much their employers might have to pay out for claims. Recognize this and be careful when speaking with an adjuster. Don’t agree to give a recorded statement, and don’t sign anything you receive from an insurance company without showing it to an attorney. This includes not accepting an early settlement offer. In many cases, early offers are not enough to cover all of your losses.
Talk to Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Looking for more tips for motorcycle accident victims? If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and have suffered injuries, contact the experienced legal team at Ellis & Associates. We provide free consultations and can advise you about your legal rights. Call us today at 800-MR-ELLIS or send us a message online.
P.S. Do you know where most motorcycle accidents occur?