After you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you are going to want to exchange your personal information with all the parties that were involved. This includes the following:
- Name
- Address
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Vehicle tag number
- Phone number
If any of the drivers who were involved in the accident are not the owner of the vehicle, you should obtain the name and contact information for this person, along with who they are insured by and what their auto insurance policy number is. In the event your injuries are too severe to exchange information with the other parties involved, you can request an accident report from the police department that dispatches an officer at a later date when you are physically well enough to do so. The accident report should contain all the personal information for those who were involved in the accident.
In the event any the parties seem reluctant to share their information remember, many states require individuals who have been involved in an accident that has resulted in property damage, injuries, or death to exchange their information with you.
Additional Steps You Should Take at the Scene of a Motorcycle Accident
One of the next things you are going to want to do at the scene of a motorcycle accident is call 9-1-1. If you are unable to do so, be sure someone else at the scene (such as a witness), calls 9-1-1 immediately.
Because motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal cord injuries (SCI), it would be wise to have a medical professional assess your condition after the accident and in the days following the crash. The Mayo Clinic and MedlinePlus outline the repercussions of these severe injuries. While waiting for the police to arrive, you or a witness should also take photos of the following:
- Property damage, including the damage your vehicle sustained and that of anyone else involved
- Your injuries
- The surrounding area where the accident occurred
- Street signs to show the location where the accident occurred
These photos will come in handy when it comes time for you to file an insurance claim, or even a personal injury lawsuit (if another party was responsible for causing the accident). Once the police have arrived, you may need to explain what happened. However, at this time, you should not accept blame for the accident or say anything that could lead others to believe your actions caused it.
Instead, you can briefly explain what happened and seek medical attention until you are able to hire a lawyer. If any of the other parties involved say anything along the lines of “I’m sorry,” or “I didn’t see you,” be sure to write this down as it can also be used to establish liability at a later date.
Consider Working with a Motorcycle Accident Attorney After a Crash
If you are physically able to, you are encouraged to contact an attorney’s office at the scene of the motorcycle accident. However, if your injuries limit your physical abilities, you can contact a law firm as soon after the accident as possible.
Holding Another Driver Responsible for Causing a Motorcycle Accident
If another driver was responsible for causing your accident, there is a chance you might be entitled to recover compensation for the various damages you suffered. Sometimes, this can be obtained from the insurance company, and other times, it can be recovered after you file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if you intend on holding another person responsible for the accident, you need to be prepared to prove that it was their negligent behavior that caused the accident and your injuries.
Some examples of negligent behavior might include:
- Texting while driving
- Making an unsafe lane change
- Making an illegal U-turn
- Speeding
- Driving aggressively
- Driving drunk
Damages You May Be Entitled to Collect After a Motorcycle Accident
If you are successful at proving someone else is liable for your injuries, you may be entitled to recover the following damages:
- Future loss of earning capacity– If you are unable to work as a result of the injuries you suffered, you may be entitled to recover compensation for this.
- Medical expenses– This includes the medical care you already had rendered and any care you might need in the future.
- Past and future mental anguish– Mental anguish includes certain mental conditions you may have suffered as a result of the collision (e.g., anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder).
Contact High Stakes Injury Law to Learn About Your Legal Rights After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents are potentially traumatic experiences that can lead to physical and psychological suffering. If you are looking to obtain financial relief to make up for how the incident has impacted your life, contact High Stakes Injury Law at (702) 444-3228 for a case evaluation.