What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Sadly, many motorcyclists will get into an accident at some point during their riding lifetime. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, the steps you take in the hours and days following a motorcycle accident can directly impact your health and your legal claim. Here are some steps you can take to protect your rights:
Get to Safety
If it is safe to do so, get out of the roadway to avoid any secondary injuries. Help your passenger or anyone else involved in the accident to get to safety, too.
Keep Your Protective Gear On
You may have suffered injuries and not even be aware of them, so it is best to keep your protective gear on after an accident. Keep your helmet, riding gloves, and jacket on until you can be cleared by medical personnel.
Report the Accident
Wisconsin law requires that anyone involved in an accident report the accident in the quickest way possible if the accident results in:
- Property damage of at least $1,000
- Injury
- Death
Reporting the accident will also help ensure a law enforcement officer responds to the scene and prepares a report that can help you with filing a claim.
Get Medical Treatment
If you or anyone else is injured, request an ambulance when you report the accident. You may feel fine after an accident, but adrenaline can mask your symptoms. Seek medical treatment after the accident to ensure all of your injuries are diagnosed and properly documented. Report all of the symptoms you are experiencing and mention that you were involved in a motorcycle accident so your medical records will properly link them. Keep all of your original medical records.
Get the Driver’s Information
Ask for the following information from any other driver involved in the accident:
- Their name
- Their address and phone number
- Their driver’s license number
- Their insurance policy number, carrier, and phone number
- The make, model, and VIN for their vehicle
- The license plate and registration number
Talk to Witnesses
If anyone saw the accident and stopped, ask them for their contact information. Your lawyer may want to contact them later to get a statement.
Record What Happened
The accident scene will be quickly cleaned up, so it is important that you record what it looked like in real time. Take pictures of the accident scene, including:
- Damage to your bike
- Damage to the other vehicle
- Skid marks
- Debris on the road
- Weather conditions
- Wide angles of the accident scene
- Close-up shots of the accident scene
- Your injuries
As soon as possible, write down what you remember about the moments leading up to the accident while your memory is fresh.
Keep Good Records
After an accident, you may start to receive many documents related to the accident. Keep all accident-related documents, including:
- Medical records and bills
- Repair estimates
- Receipts for rental cars, rideshare service, and other transportation expenses while your bike is repaired
- Pay stubs that show income you lost while you were recovering from your injuries
- Communications from the insurance company
- A calendar of your medical appointments
- Journal entries that show how you felt in the weeks and months following the accident
Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Dealing with an accident claim can be difficult, especially if you have suffered serious injuries. A motorcycle lawyer can explain your rights, help you file a claim, and handle communication on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery.