Figuring out what to do after a motorcycle accident can feel really overwhelming. Not only will you be dealing with potential injuries and damages to your bike, but you will also have to talk to law enforcement, insurance agents, and motorcycle accident attorneys. To reduce some of the stress that comes with the aftermath of an accident, we’ve put together important steps to follow that will help get you on the road to recovery.
Get Out of Harm’s Way
The first thing to do right after you’ve been in a motorcycle accident is to get away from the road and traffic. Be especially aware if you are in an area with limited sight-lines, like winding backroads, since approaching vehicles won’t know that a wreck just happened.
Check for Injuries
While certain injuries like broken bones might be instantly obvious, others like head or neck injuries can take a few minutes for swelling to set in. With any luck, your protective riding gear and helmet did their jobs and left only your ego bruised-but if you or anyone else involved in the accident is injured, call 9-1-1 immediately. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, calling 9-1-1 is your best bet since injuries such as internal bleeding or organ damage are not immediately obvious.
Report the Accident
If you don’t call 9-1-1, then report the accident to law enforcement, because they can assist in directing traffic, assessing whether immediate legal action is required, and recording details of the accident.
Gather Information
Even though you’re sure to feel anxious and stressed, do your best to remain calm and collect as much information as you can. If you have a phone or camera, here are a few things you’ll want pictures of:
- Your bike
- Any other vehicles involved
- The surrounding scene including street signs, buildings, or construction sites
And that’s not all:
- Gather contact information of all witnesses and drivers
- Get everyone’s insurance information
- Take a picture of each vehicle’s VIN
- Don’t leave without the police report number and officer’s badge number
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
There are Texas lawyers who specialize in motorcycle accident help and know the necessary steps to make sure you receive financial compensation for injuries, lost wages, and vehicle damage. A motorcycle accident attorney will help protect you in case you are wrongly accused of being at fault or if your insurance claim is denied.
Contact Your Insurance Agent
Get in touch with your insurance agent as quickly after the accident as possible to begin your claims process. Provide them with all of the information you have collected regarding the accident, but do not detail your own injury level or the damage to your vehicle until you have been to a doctor and your bike has been assessed by a mechanic.
