Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other life-altering injuries. Knowing what to do after such a serious crash can be difficult. If you are ever involved in an accident, try to follow these steps:
Get to Safety
If possible, try to get out of the flow of traffic so that you don’t get hurt again. Your safety is paramount. Turn on your hazard lights or activate flares around the site of the accident.
Report the Accident
The California Department of Insurance recommends attempting to notify the police after an accident. If police respond, stick to the facts. Avoid giving opinions about fault, and don’t admit any degree of fault. Focus on providing accurate and honest details about the accident.
Ask the responding law enforcement officer about how to obtain a copy of the accident report. You’ll need it when you file your insurance claim.
Seek Medical Attention
Motorcycle accidents often cause severe injuries, but they are not always immediately apparent. This is because accident victims may experience shock or a surge of adrenaline. This can mask pain and other symptoms of injuries.
It’s essential that you seek medical treatment so that your injuries can be properly diagnosed and treated. You may have sustained internal organ damage but not be aware of it. These serious injuries must be treated to prevent further complications or death.
Seeing a doctor will also document the connection between your injuries and the accident, which can help support your legal claim for compensation.
Get the At-Fault Driver’s Information
At the scene of the accident, ask for the at-fault driver’s information, including their:
- Name
- Phone number
- Address
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance information
- Description of their vehicle
California is an at-fault state for motor vehicle accidents, so the at-fault party is responsible for compensating the victim for their injuries.
Document the Accident Scene
Ask any witnesses for their names and contact information.
Then, try to photograph the following details related to the accident:
- The cross streets where the accident occurred
- The damage to your bike and the other vehicle
- Any debris, skid marks, or other evidence on the road
- Road and weather conditions
- Nearby traffic signs and signals
Obtaining this information now, before the accident scene is lost or destroyed, can be critical to the potential outcome of your personal injury case.
Keep Your Accident-Related Documentation
After a serious accident, you may begin accumulating various forms of information, including the following:
- Your medical records
- Any written statement you made regarding the accident
- The police report
- Photos and videos of the accident, including any information saved in your dash camera
- Repair estimates from the body shop
- Medical bills and receipts for medical payments
- Receipts for items you purchased out of pocket related to the accident
- Check stubs, tax returns, or other documentation of your lost income
- Communications from the insurance company
- Any pain journal entries you made regarding your symptoms and the impact of the accident on your life
Keep this information organized and safe until you can hand it to your personal injury lawyer.
Don’t Talk to the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Provider
While you’re likely anxious to get your medical bills, lost wages, and property damage covered by the party responsible for the accident, don’t risk handling your personal injury claim yourself. Insurance companies are notorious for taking advantage of vulnerable accident victims.
Insurance companies are profitable companies that rake in millions of dollars every year by receiving more in premium payments than they dole out in claims. They often try to deny or delay claims, hoping the victim will give up or accept a lowball settlement just to get something out of it. An attorney can handle your case while you focus on your recovery.
Report the Accident to Your Insurer
Many insurance providers require you to report any accident you are involved in to them, regardless of fault. Check the terms of your insurance policy to determine if yours has this requirement.
If you want to make a claim under your insurance coverage (such as for collision or uninsured motorist coverage), seek help from an experienced attorney. Even if you’re dealing with your own insurance company, it is still interested in resolving your claim for as little money as possible.
Contact Our San Diego Motorcycle Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
As soon as possible, contact an experienced San Diego motorcycle accident lawyer. They can investigate your case and help you with the next steps in the process. Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers has over 80 years of combined experience and has recovered over $100 million for personal injury victims. Call us today to arrange your free case review.
