What to Do Following a Motorcycle Accident?

The most important thing you can do following a motorcycle accident is prioritize your health and safety and do everything within your power to protect your right to receive fair compensation for your injuries. 

Contacting a Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident lawyer who can speak on your behalf and guide you through the complexities of a motorcycle accident claim can make the entire process smoother and less stressful. Here’s what you should do if you were involved in a motorcycle accident:

Put Your Safety First After a Motorcycle Crash

If you’re able to walk, stand, or move, it’s imperative that you get out of harm’s way as quickly as possible. Generally, that requires separating yourself from the immediate motorcycle crash scene and the traffic moving around it. Assist others in the crash if you can. Safety is a priority, but so is your health. It’s important to limit movement that could worsen your injuries. Attempting to move your bike may be out of the question due to the physical strain it may cause and the danger of being struck again by traffic. 

Call the 9-1-1 to Report the Incident

This one may be a no-brainer, but calling 9-1-1 after a motorcycle crash is essential. Most states require you to notify police of motor vehicle accidents that result in injury or death. In Florida, the law demands you report accidents that lead to injury, death, or property damage over $500. Beyond the law, having a crash report can supply crucial information for an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Calling 9-1-1 also allows emergency medical assistance to be dispatched, bringing us to the next step. 

Get Medical Help After a Motorcycle Crash

Motorcycle crash injuries are often severe. Trauma such as broken bones, head injuries, crushed limbs, and road rash require immediate medical attention. A medical technician may examine these types of injuries at the scene and provide emergency treatment, but they may overlook less apparent injuries. 

If you wore a motorcycle helmet, chances of traumatic brain trauma are significantly reduced but not totally eliminated. You may suffer from internal injuries or less obvious musculoskeletal damage but are unaware due to increased adrenaline at the time of the collision. You may feel “okay,” but it’s vital that you prioritize receiving medical attention to discover hidden injuries at the scene of the crash or afterward. 

In addition to health reasons, you’ll need an official diagnosis and medical documentation of your injuries to support a claim for compensation against the at-fault party. Don’t skip this step. 

Collect Evidence at the Scene of the Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accident victims who are in a physical position to do so should attempt to collect as much evidence from the scene of the crash as they can. If you have a cell phone with a camera, take photos of the crash site, paying close attention to the following:

• Damage to the vehicles 
• Position of the vehicles
• Debris
• Skid marks 
• Weather conditions
• Street name
• Other useful features of the surrounding location
• Photos of your injuries

You can pass along these key pieces of evidence to your motorcycle accident lawyer to assist in investigating the cause of the crash and building your claim for compensation.

Exchange Driver Information

You will need to exchange certain information with the other driver if possible. Gather details such as:

• Name
• Contact information (phone and address)
• Driver’s license number
• Vehicle registration number
• License plate number
• Insurance policy information (company, policy number, phone)

Ask for Witness Contact Information

Witness testimonies are valuable during a personal injury claim, especially if there are legal proceedings. Speak to witnesses and request their names and contact information in case you or your attorney would like to ask them questions in the future. Again, this may not be physically possible for some, but for those who are capable, it’s a good idea. 

Notify Your Insurance Company

Your motorcycle insurance policy most likely requires you to report accidents to your insurer within a reasonable timeframe. The insurer will want to investigate the motorcycle accident. Failure to comply with the stipulations of your contract could result in losing the right to compensation under your policy. There are several reasons an insurance company may deny your motorcycle accident claim; don’t hand one to them. 

Your insurer may require you to give a recorded statement, but you do not have to provide one right away and should hold off until you have spoken with an attorney.

Limit What You Post on Social Media After the Crash

Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have become the go-to for self-expression and disseminating information. You may feel inclined to tell your family, friends, and community about the motorcycle accident, how it occurred, and who’s to blame. Don’t. 

Restrict what you post about the collision to bare-bones information, and do not go into detail in the comments. Opposing parties and insurance companies may monitor your social media activity, looking for information they can use to discredit you and reduce your potential compensation. Save the story for your attorney. 

Don’t Give a Recorded Statement to Third-Party Insurance Company

You may get a phone call from the other driver’s insurance company. The claims adjuster may ask that you give a recorded statement, but do not give one without speaking to a personal injury attorney first. You are not legally required to give a statement to third-party insurers. 

Further, the purpose of this statement is to gather information they can use against you. Whenever you speak to a third-party insurance company, providing a recorded statement or not, follow these tips:

• Be wary, and don’t agree with anything you don’t feel comfortable about.
• Don’t discuss your injuries or your medical history under any circumstances. Informing them that you were hurt is fine, but do not provide details. 
• Don’t state or imply that you feel “fine” or “okay.”
• Don’t discuss fault for the motorcycle crash or express guilt or regret.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Immediately

Getting in touch with a motorcycle accident attorney can save you precious time and energy as you navigate the aftermath of your crash. A lawyer with experience handling these types of claims can assist with nearly every step we’ve provided on this list. 

Beyond that, they can investigate the cause of your motorcycle crash, communicate with the insurers involved in your case, help you gather proof of the losses you’ve suffered, negotiate a fair settlement with the liable party, and represent your interests if your case requires a trial to recover the maximum compensation possible. 

Call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers for Help After a Motorcycle Accident

If you’re hurt, missing work, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do following a motorcycle accident, call Chalik & Chalik for a free consultation. We’re a family-owned law firm here to fight for you and your family to get the money you need faster.