Following an accident, ensuring your safety and the safety of others involved should be the immediate priority.
Immediately After an Accident
In the minutes directly after an accident, ensuring your health and safety is paramount.
- Check for Injuries: The first step immediately after an accident is to check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is injured, call emergency services right away. Avoid moving injured parties unless there's an immediate danger.
- Move to Safety: If it’s safe to do so, move yourself and your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid obstructing traffic and to protect yourself from further harm.
- Call the Authorities: It's important to report the accident to the police. A police report will be invaluable when you file an insurance claim and can provide an unbiased account of the incident.
- Exchange Information: Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and basic insurance information with the other drivers involved. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well.
- Document the Accident: Take photos of your vehicle from different angles to show the damage fully. If you have visible injuries, document those with pictures, too. Take notes on your phone or a piece of paper about the time, location, and the circumstances of the accident.
Building a Claim
When you have ensured your safety, it is important to gather evidence and document the accident.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with the information and documentation you’ve gathered.
- Seek Medical Attention: Often, injuries caused by accidents aren't immediately noticeable. Unless you are totally sure you were not injured, seek medical attention at your nearest emergency room or by seeing your doctor.
- Keep Records: Keep all the documents and receipts related to the accident in one place. This includes medical bills, a copy of the police report, direct correspondence with the insurance company, and repair bills for your vehicle.
- Consider Legal Advice: In some cases, it might be wise to consult with an attorney to protect your rights and to ensure you are getting a fair settlement from the insurance company, especially if there are disputes about fault or if you’ve sustained significant injuries.
Remember, the steps you take immediately following an accident can have a significant impact on your ability to fully recover – both physically and financially. Acting judiciously and methodically can help ensure that your interests are protected during this stressful time.
Why You Need an Attorney
Engaging an attorney after a motorcycle accident can be pivotal for several reasons. Motorcyclists often face unique challenges in the aftermath of an accident, including navigating biases against them and potentially severe injuries due to their exposure.
An experienced attorney not only understands these nuanced difficulties but can also provide critical support in negotiating with insurance companies, who may attempt to minimize compensation.
Additionally, attorneys are adept at gathering and presenting evidence to support the rider's version of events, ensuring a fair representation in both settlements and, if necessary, court proceedings. In essence, an attorney serves as a crucial advocate, safeguarding a motorcyclist's rights and facilitating the pursuit of just compensation for injuries and damages sustained.
Contact Fowler | Helsel | Vogt to learn how we can advocate for you.