Accidents are unplanned events that can overwhelm you if you get involved in one. If you have a motorcycle accident, it is advised that you contact a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as you can. But before that, there are certain things that you should do:
- Check for personal injuries: Check yourself to make sure that you have no injuries. If you identify any, lie back and keep still. If the scene is unsafe, make your way to a safer place and stay still. Keeping still reduces post-injury trauma that can worsen your injuries. If there are others involved, check them for injuries, and help if you can.
- Call emergency services: Dial 911 and report the accident to the emergency service. Provide that details are asked and wait for help.
- Preserve the accident scene: Keep the accident scene secure if you can, contaminating the scene may dent your claim case later.
- Take pictures: Whip out your phone and take pictures and videos of the accidents. Pictures help to preserve early evidence for your claims. Take photographs of the scene, your motorcycle, yourself, and the surrounding (for context).
- Exchange information with the other parties for future contact. Collect information like their name, phone contact, license, and insurance information, and license plate numbers, etc. If that is not possible, make sure to get their name at least.
- Seek medical attention: Get treated as soon as you can. Delaying medical treatment may worsen your injuries or even leave you maimed. Inform your doctor to document every stage of treatment by taking pictures or videos. Bills and official reports should also be kept safe.
- Inform your insurance company: Call up your insurance provider and inform them that you have been in an accident. Provide any initial details that they require, and remember to ask your attorney to take over for you.
- Inform your motorcycle accident lawyer about the accident. Your attorney knows what legal steps to take to file claims. Cooperate with the attorney and build a strong claim.
- Don’t fix damages immediately: Sometimes, courts may ask for evidence of damage to vehicles before awarding claims. An attempt to fix damages before the completion of your case can throw a spanner in the wheel. Keep your motorcycle as it is until you get compensated.
Your motorcycle accident lawyer will prosecute your case professionally, but you should avoid some post-accident mistakes that can jeopardize your claims.