What Should I Do Immediately After A Motorcycle Accident?

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, your priority should be your safety and well-being. Even if you believe you’re uninjured, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Hidden injuries can be present, and prompt evaluation is essential for proper recovery and documentation.

Medical treatment is just the first step. Here’s what you need to know about what to do immediately after a motorcycle accident from our Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers.

Seek Medical Attention Right Away

The first thing to do after a motorcycle accident is to call 911 for medical help and to summon the police. You may not be aware of the full extent of your injuries, and delaying medical treatment can worsen your condition. Seeking medical attention serves multiple purposes. 

It allows you to receive the necessary treatment for your injuries, and it also provides documentation of your injury symptoms, which is essential for your case. Medical records will serve as evidence of your injuries and the treatment you received, which can help support your claim and ensure you receive fair compensation.

If you’re worried about the cost of medical treatment, don’t let it hold you back. At J&Y Law, we can help you access medical benefits and connect you with doctors who work on a lien basis. This means you can receive the medical care you need without upfront costs. 

Gather Evidence at the Scene

While you’re waiting for medical help to arrive, try to gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim. The following types of evidence are crucial to collect: 

• Photos of the damage to your bike, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area
  
• Photos of the license plates, vehicle makes, and models of all vehicles involved in the crash.
  
• Notes on the weather and road conditions, as well as any traffic signs or signals nearby
  
• Contact information from witnesses, including names, phone numbers, and email addresses
  
• If possible, a video or audio recording of the scene, including any statements from witnesses or involved parties.

Gathering evidence at the scene of the accident will help establish a clear picture of what happened. This evidence, along with the crash report, will prove that you were in an accident and what the circumstances were. By collecting this evidence, you’ll be well-prepared to support your claim.

Report the Accident to the Police

Filing a police report creates official accident documentation, which can be significant in building a strong case. If an accident has caused injuries, you are required to give a report, even if you were taken to the hospital before you can talk to the police. This can be done by calling the local police station where the accident happened.

Your report will be fundamental for your insurance claim and potential legal action. Make sure to get a copy of the report. When you talk to the police, here’s what to keep in mind:

• Be thorough and accurate when providing details of the accident
  
• Ensure all parties involved are included in the report, including witnesses
  
• Get a copy of the report and review it for accuracy
  
• Keep a record of the report number and the officer’s name and badge number

Notify Your Insurance Company (But Be Careful What You Say)

Following a motorcycle accident, it’s essential to notify your insurance company to initiate the claims process. You must report that you were in a crash so your insurer can prepare an investigation. If you don’t, they may deny you coverage. 

However, it’s vital to be cautious about what you say during this initial communication. When speaking with your insurance company, stick to the facts and avoid speculation or admissions of fault. Providing inaccurate or incomplete information can negatively impact your claim process. 

Some key points to keep in mind when communicating with your insurance company include:

• Be honest and accurate when providing information about the accident
  
• Avoid making statements that could be seen as admitting fault
  
• Refrain from giving a recorded statement without consulting with an attorney
  
• Don’t settle for a lowball offer without exploring your options

Avoid Talking to the Other Party’s Insurance Company

When dealing with a motorcycle accident claim, it’s crucial to avoid talking to the other party’s insurance company without proper guidance. They have a vested interest in settling the claim quickly and cheaply, which may not align with your best interests.

The insurance company may employ tactics designed to trip you up and reduce their liability. They might make a quick, low-ball settlement offer, hoping you’ll accept it out of desperation or lack of knowledge about your claim’s worth. 

They may try to extract statements from you that can be used against you. Instead of facing the insurer yourself, you can hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to speak with them on your behalf. They can tell you other things you should do immediately after a motorcycle accident specific to your situation.

Get in Touch With Our Lawyers Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident

After getting medical treatment, speaking with the police, and notifying your insurer, the last thing to do is to get in touch with a motorcycle accident lawyer.  A skilled lawyer will provide you with legal representation, which removes the burden of dealing with insurers yourself.

This lets you focus on recovery, not on your compensation worries. Our team of experienced lawyers has a proven track record of success, with tens of millions of dollars in settlements and a combined 80 years of legal experience. 

By following these things to do immediately after a motorcycle accident, you’ll be better equipped to handle the situation and protect your rights. To discuss your case, contact J&Y Law for a free consultation.