According to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, in 2021, 4,440 motorcyclists were involved in motor vehicle traffic crashes, and there were 848 suspected serious injuries among motorcyclists.
Even when you take all the proper precautions while riding your motorcycle, you unfortunately can’t ensure your safety in all situations. Motorcycle accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and create confusion, fear, and adrenaline even before the smoke clears. By the time you realize what happened, you may not know what to do after a motorcycle accident. However, there are steps you can take after an accident to assist you and your attorney if you decide to pursue a claim against the driver that caused the collision.
Get in touch with us today at (770) 988-5252 to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Move to Safety
The immediate moments after a motorcycle collision can be disorienting and make it difficult to understand your situation. It’s vital to move all parties, vehicles, and motorcycles to safety and out of the path of oncoming traffic as soon as possible to avoid secondary collisions and further harm. Examine yourself for obvious injuries such as broken bones and bleeding. If possible, assess the initial condition of other parties and request immediate medical assistance if needed.
Contact Law Enforcement
Call 9-1-1 to report to the scene of your accident. In addition to providing emergency medical treatment to anyone injured, the reporting law enforcement officer will create an accident report. Accident reports are valuable documents that provide neutral and unbiased details regarding the crash that your attorney or insurance companies may use. Retrieve a copy of your accident report as soon as possible, or contact an attorney to help you get a copy.
Exchange Information
Identifying the driver or other motorcyclists that caused the collision is essential if you plan to file a claim with their insurance company or file a personal injury lawsuit against them. At the scene of the accident, obtain the following from all drivers involved:
- Full name;
- Contact information, including address and phone number;
- Insurance information and policy number;
- Driver’s license number;
- License plate number; and
- Year, make, and model of the vehicle or motorcycle.
Although reporting police also collect this information, it’s helpful to keep this information for your records in case anyone tries to leave the scene before the police arrive.
Gather Evidence
Document the scene of the accident to the best of your ability. Take photographs of the following details:
- Weather conditions,
- Traffic signs and signals,
- Road conditions,
- Skid marks or other evidence of speeding,
- Driving hazards,
- All motorcycles and vehicles involved, and
- Your injuries.
This type of evidence memorializes the scene when the accident occurred and will be used by your attorney to establish liability and the extent of your damages.
Seek Medical Attention
Motorcycle accidents almost always tend to be more severe than collisions involving other vehicle types. Symptoms of serious injuries such as concussions, soft tissue injuries, internal bleeding, and others may not become apparent until hours, days, or even weeks after your accident. It’s vital to seek medical attention immediately, even if you have no obvious symptoms. Connecting your injuries to your accident is crucial to collecting compensation from the party that caused your losses.
Notify Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company about your accident. No matter who is at fault, you must notify your insurance carrier immediately. Different insurance companies have different requirements for reporting accidents. You may file a claim with your own insurance company for certain losses that may not be covered by the party that caused the collision. However, it’s important to remember that you can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver through their insurance company or individually in a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact an Attorney
Speak to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed by the process as you attempt to recover from your injuries. Your attorney is there to help alleviate those concerns and help prepare you for what to expect after a motorcycle accident. With a lawyer’s support, you can negotiate a favorable settlement that adequately compensates you for the losses you’ve endured. In situations where a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney litigates your case at trial.
What Not to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
A motorcycle accident is a traumatizing event that leaves many feeling confused, overwhelmed, and unsure of the next steps. Even if you forget some of the steps mentioned above, it’s crucial to remember what not to do after a collision.
Do Not Leave the Scene
You may be tempted to leave the scene of an accident, especially in situations where damage appears minimal and no one seems injured. However, leaving the scene of an accident without exchanging information with other parties is illegal in Georgia and can carry severe penalties.
Do Not Admit Fault
Most of us want to apologize after an accident, even when fault isn’t apparent. However, any admission of guilt could be used against you later. Limit your discussion with the other party to exchanging personal and insurance information.
Do Not Speak to Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters want to resolve claims quickly and may offer you a settlement. These initial settlement offers rarely grasp the gravity of your injuries and damages. Accepting an initial offer usually fails to adequately cover the cost of compensatory damages to which you may be entitled.
Contact Us
At MG Law, our team of experienced, hardworking attorneys has the answers to all your questions after an accident. Resuming life, as usual, is extremely difficult after an accident but is crucial for the injured party and their family members. We are here to help you get back to your everyday life. We understand that anyone seriously injured in an accident has more to worry about than the difficulty of communication with insurance adjusters and aggressive attorneys. Our firm values include leadership, service, and problem-solving, ensuring that all clients receive the same expert advice and advocacy until their case is over. We work hard to achieve the best possible outcome for every client. Contact us today at (770) 988-5252 for a free consultation.
Michael Geoffroy’s law practice focuses on auto collisions, premises liability, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury. He stands up for the cause of justice throughout Georgia and on behalf of his clients every day. He is a leader in both the courtroom and the community, having been recognized numerous times for his involvement in each.