Being rear-ended on a motorcycle by a car can be devastating and lead to catastrophic injuries.
If you or someone you love was recently on a motorcycle and rear-ended in a crash, you may be wondering, What to do after my motorcycle was rear-ended in an accident?
In this post, our Georgia motorcycle accident lawyers discusses the six steps you should take immediately following the incident.Â
Feel free to reach out to us at (770) 988-5252 or fill out our online form today to schedule your free consultation.
Top Causes for Fault in a Motorcycle Rear End Accident
Almost always, negligence is at play when a motorcycle is hit by a car from behind.
The driver of the vehicle is often:
- Tailgating,
- Speeding,
- Driving while intoxicated,
- Driving while distracted (e.g., texting), or
- Reckless or aggressively driving.
No matter the cause of the accident, it can be devastating to a motorcyclist who is not afforded the same safety protections as in a vehicle.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Rear-End Accident?
While every situation is unique and may require different steps or order of events, the following six steps provide a general guideline on what to do after a motorcycle rear-end collision.
Seek Medical Attention
Whether you require a 911 response and emergency room treatment or are lucky enough to seek treatment on your own, you should always be assessed by a doctor following a rear-end collision.
After a rear-end impact, it is expected to suffer from whiplash, head trauma, broken bones, sprains, and even paralysis.
Even non-life-threatening injuries should still treated by a medical professional, including:
- Primary care services,
- Surgical repair,
- Orthopedic treatment,
- Physical therapy,
- Radiology services, and
- Pharmaceutical services.
Injuries can develop or worsen over hours, days, and weeks, so it is imperative to follow all medical advice and seek additional treatment if necessary.
Collect Information About the Accident
The more information and evidence you have regarding the accident, the stronger your case will be. If you can at the scene, you should take pictures with your phone to document the condition of the vehicles, injuries, and road and weather conditions.
You should cooperate with responding law enforcement to provide a clear and accurate report of what happened.
If your injuries are too severe to document the scene, don’t worry. Our team can assist you with filling in the missing pieces and gathering the evidence needed to file a motorcycle accident report expeditiously.
Report the Accident
In Georgia, you must report an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person or property damage to an apparent extent of $500.00 or more by the quickest means of communication to the local police.
More often than not, a rear-end motorcycle accident will result in more than $500.00 worth of damage or injuries to the rider or vehicle occupant. Even if you do not require EMS or medical personnel, you should still notify law enforcement immediately.Â
Do Not Speak with the Other Driver’s Insurance Adjuster
In addition to speaking with your insurance company, the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster will likely contact you for a statement. You should not talk to them until you have consulted with an attorney. Remember, they want to pay the least amount possible and will use what you say against you. Your attorney can guide you through providing the necessary statements.
Do Not Post on Social Media
An often overlooked but essential step after a rear-end motorcycle accident is to avoid posting about it on your social media pages. You might think the picture, video, or post is harmless, but the defendant’s insurance carrier can try and use it against you. Be mindful of what you post while any claim or lawsuit is pending. For instance, even a simple video of you enjoying a family walk can damage your claim later.
Consult a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you’ve been rear-ended on your motorcycle in Georgia, you should speak with a lawyer to discuss your legal rights and options.
It is common to feel overwhelmed, scared, and uncertain in the days and weeks after a motorcycle crash; let us help you. We will provide honest advice on the best course of action to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you are entitled to.
Contact Our Georgia Motorcycle Accident Law Firm
At MG Law, we have been recognized for our excellence by the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, and named to the Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers list.
We have what it takes to advocate for you and your family sharply.
Contact us online or call (770) 988-5252 today for a free consultation.
Amer Ahmad is a trial lawyer at MG Law. He represents seriously injured clients who are going through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Amer’s practice includes representing families in wrongful death cases and individuals seriously injured by motor vehicle accidents, negligently maintained premises, and defective products. As a former insurance attorney who knows the insurance companies’ playbook, he helps MG Law clients even the playing field and avoid insurance tricks. Due to his experience and results, Amer has been named a Georgia Rising Star by Super Lawyers and Atlanta Magazine from 2019 until 2024. Only 2.5% of all lawyers in Georgia are selected as Rising Stars.