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This Is What To Do Immediately After A Motorcycle Accident
Although there are things you can do to try to stay safe on the road, even the most careful motorcyclists can be involved in a crash. At Moore Law Firm, our motorcycle accident attorneys recommend taking the following steps immediately to protect your rights and ensure you receive the medical care you need.
Seek Safety
The first thing to do is evaluate your surroundings and determine whether you’re in harm’s way. If possible, move out of the roadway, but leave your motorcycle where it is. If you are able, check and see if anyone else is hurt and needs assistance.
Call 911
It’s critical to call 911 or local authorities after any accident. You may be in shock and unaware of how serious your injuries could be. EMTs can provide medical treatment and police will secure the scene and interview any witnesses. Be honest about what happened when speaking to police, but do not admit fault. A police report is a valuable piece of evidence that can support your motorcycle accident claim, so ask for a copy before you leave the scene.
Keep Protective Gear On
When you’re involved in a collision, your adrenaline starts flowing and may prevent you from feeling pain. Do not remove protective gear like your helmet or jacket, as you could exacerbate existing injuries. Paramedics will remove them for you, evaluate your injuries, and administer appropriate first aid. If your helmet is in the roadway, leave it there, as its positioning could be an important element to help determine exactly what happened.
Gather Evidence
If possible, gather as much evidence as you can at the scene. The following steps can help back up the facts of your claim and document what occurred:
- Take photos of the scene, damage to your motorcycle, other vehicles, and your injuries
- Ask other drivers for their contact and insurance information
- Collect witness statements and contact information
- Write down or use your phone to record everything you remember about the accident while it’s fresh in your mind
If you’re seriously injured, you may want to ask a bystander to help collect evidence.
Seek Medical Attention
It’s extremely important to go to the emergency room or see a doctor after any accident. Symptoms of serious injuries may not be apparent immediately – if you’ve suffered injuries like internal bleeding or organ damage, going to the ER could save your life. Medical professionals will be able to detect broken bones, head, neck, and back injuries, and other serious conditions that could worsen without treatment. If you end up filing a motorcycle accident claim, your medical records are some of the most important pieces of evidence your personal injury lawyer will use to determine the value of your claim and support the facts of your case.
Speak To A Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The sooner you contact a lawyer after an accident, the better. Insurance companies usually offer the lowest amounts possible or deny claims altogether. Your attorney can even contact your own insurance company on your behalf, which should be done promptly after a crash. It’s best to avoid speaking with insurance adjusters, signing anything, or accepting a settlement without first contacting a motorcycle accident attorney. Your attorney can advise you of your rights and options and handle all negotiations with insurers.
Having a qualified lawyer handle your case enables you to focus on getting better and can increase your chances of recovering maximum compensation for damages such as:
- Medical bills
- Wage loss
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Other relevant damages
You really have nothing to lose if you reach out to an Alabama personal injury law firm. Their lawyers offer free consultations and work on contingency, which means you won’t incur any up-front costs or owe attorney fees unless they recover compensation for you. If you’ve lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, an attorney may be able to help you file a wrongful death claim. They can provide the legal support you need to get through difficult times and help you hold responsible parties accountable.
Contact A Mobile Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
For more than 30 years, our personal injury attorneys at Moore Law Firm have helped injured victims recover the compensation they need to protect their health and financial security. For a free consultation, contact us online, call 251-445-7602, or use the convenient chat feature on our website to learn more.