Motorcycle riders rightly fear getting into a wreck and sustaining severe injuries. Even the largest motorcycle provides only limited protection to a rider, which means even a low-speed collision can send a rider flying. In a split second, you can end up in a ditch or the middle of the road. What should motorcycle accident victims then?
At Ponton Law, Dunwoody, GA motorcycle accidents lawyers have helped many accident victims seek financial compensation when a dangerous or careless motorist crashes into them. However, there are critical steps you must take immediately after an accident which can make or break your case. A Dunwoody lawyer reviews the most important steps in this article.
Step 1: Get an Ambulance, if You Need One
It’s no secret that motorcyclists will get the short end of the stick in any crash. Someone riding in an SUV or four-door sedan will probably suffer less serious injuries than a motorcyclist, who can end up in excruciating pain after even a low speed collision.
If you need emergency care, then call an ambulance or ask someone who stops to call. You must make your health a priority.
Step 2: Call the Police to Report the Wreck
The police need to know about any motor vehicle accident, including motorcycle accidents. You or another driver should call to report the crash and inform the officer of your location.
The officer who swings by should fill out an accident report, which contains important facts about the wreck, including the day and time, as well as the location.
What happens if you are so injured that you cannot do anything but wait for an ambulance? Then skip down to Step 6.
Step 3: Exchange Personal Information with Any Driver Involved in the Crash
You want information about the driver of the vehicle that struck you or forced you off the road during this legal process. You should ask for:
- Name and phone number
- Driver’s license
- Registration
- Insurance information or card
Remember to share this information with the driver, too. Exchanging information at the scene is easier than trying to gather this information later.
Some motorcyclists are involved in multi-vehicle pileups, and dozens of cars could be off the road. Try to gather information from any motorist involved in your crash.
Step 4: Take Photographs of the Accident Scene to Gather Evidence
Photographs serve several purposes. They give insurance claims adjusters and other parties some idea of the condition of the vehicles at the time of the wreck. A photograph of a big dent in the front bumper of an SUV will show clearly where that vehicle smashed into you.
Also take photographs of anything else that seems related to your case. For example, did your motorcycle hit a huge, unrepaired pothole in the road? If so, then get a couple of pictures of it. Also try to show the size of the pothole by having a person stand near it to provide scale.
Here are other photographs to take:
- The debris field, which can show the speed of the vehicles at impact.
- Your motorcycle. It might be mangled, which is okay.
- Any poor road conditions, including icing or snow.
- Missing or obscured traffic signs, burnt out traffic lights, and other hazards of that sort.
By the time it comes to negotiate a settlement with a personal injury attorney, the road might be completely different, with fewer hazards to help pay for your medical bills and receive fair compensation. Pictures help memorialize the conditions the day of the crash with the vehicles involved.
Step 5: Identify Witnesses
Eyewitnesses often are crucial for motorcycle accident cases. A witness can help us understand who is to blame for the crash. Remember, fault is essential for obtaining compensation. If you can’t prove another motorist was at fault, you’ll never get them to pay you compensation.
Some witnesses include passengers in other vehicles which stop, as well as any pedestrians on the sidewalk. Ask everyone what they saw and if you can have their name and telephone number. Your motorcycle accident lawyer might want to reach out to them later to pin down what they observed.
Step 6: Injured Motorcyclists Receive Medical Care at the Hospital
Even if you feel slightly “shaken,” you should still go to the hospital for a proper medical evaluation. Chances are that adrenaline is preventing you from feeling pain. Over the coming days, many motorcyclists begin to feel pain in affected limbs.
A doctor can order imaging tests to find out the source of any pain. Some of the most common injuries are spinal cord injuries, concussions/traumatic brain injuries, and whiplash—all of which might take 24 hours to fully manifest.
The road to recovery is long for injured riders, but you should get as much medical care as you can. If your doctor prescribes rehabilitation or other therapy, then you should definitely undertake it. Accident victims who stop treatment early often invite criticism that they are partially to blame for their lingering disabilities instead of the at fault driver. Consequently, they often receive less compensation.
Step 7: Avoid Giving Any Recorded Statement or Accepting a Settlement from the Insurance Company
It’s not unheard of for insurance companies to quickly reach out to victims—sometimes the very week of the accident. They might ask for a recorded statement, which you should avoid giving until you hire a personal injury lawyer. If you accidentally admit fault, then you might not receive any compensation. It’s critical not to give statements while you are recovering and in pain from a serious motorcycle accident.
Likewise, refuse any proposed settlement offer. You might think the offer is generous—but do you really know how much your injuries are worth? Our Dunwoody motorcycle accident lawyers have obtained compensation for clients for such losses as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Few lay people know how much to request.
Simply tell any insurance company that you don’t want to talk right now or encourage them to call your lawyer regarding your motorcycle accident lawsuit.
Contact Our Georgia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Ponton Law Today
Don’t forget this step! Our Dunwoody, GA motorcycle accident lawyer can meet to go over what happened in a free consultation. If hired, our experienced motorcycle accident attorney will start to gather evidence from your motorcycle crash and establish lines of communication with the defendant or their insurance company. You should focus on what matters most—healing, while our motorcycle injury lawyers work on your personal injury claim. Contact us at Ponton Law today to work on your motorcycle accident claims.