What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

If you think about it, riding a motorcycle is one of the most dangerous things you can do. You’re traveling the roads and highways of the world at upwards of 50 miles per hour, with nothing more than a helmet protecting.

And for some, not even a helmet to protect them.

Some might claim that the dangers just aren’t there, or just aren’t that serious.

The Department of Transportation shows that there are over eight million registered motorcycles in the United States. Of that eight million, there were over 5,000 motorcycle fatalities in 2016.

Cynics might scoff at such a number, call it small. But when these accidents happen, they are dangerous and deadly.

They happen, and they can happen to you. When they do, it’s in your best interest to know what you should do.

More than anything, though, you should get the help of an experienced group of lawyers.

An accident leaves any person shook up, and a motorcycle accident isn’t any different.

Contact the Los Angeles Injury Group after a motorcycle accident. Our California Motorcycle accident attorneys will give you the legal advice you need.

Check for Possible Injuries

The first thing you should do following an accident is to check for any injuries, both on yourself and the other person involved in the accident.

Pull over to the side of the road to better assesses the situation. In the case of a motorcycle accident, the injuries could be massive.

If the motorcycle rider appears injured or unresponsive, call 911 immediately. Waiting will make the difference between life and death. Acting as fast as you can, while trying to maintain your calm, might save a life.

If you are injured and unable to call 911 yourself, the other person involved in the accident, or even those who were witnesses to the accident, will call 911 for you.

Remove Yourself from Further Potential Dangers

It cannot be overstated that motorcycle accidents are dangerous.

One of the biggest dangers of a motorcycle accident is the rider being launched from their bike. This will not only injure them due to impact but could send them into traffic, blocking the roadway or causing the motorcycle rider to be injured further by oncoming vehicles.

If you can, you need to remove yourself and the motorcycle rider out of the road. Again, acting as calmly and swiftly as possible might make the difference between life and death.

If the motorcycle rider appears severely injured, moving them might cause further injuries.

In this scenario, call 911 before moving them, and try to flag down any oncoming cars so they see the situation and know to avoid you and the launched rider.

Gather Important Information

Just like in a regular automobile accident, you’ll want to exchange information with the other riders involved in the accident. That is, as long as it’s possible and the injuries the rider sustained aren’t severe enough.

You’ll want to get the other driver’s full name and driver’s license. You’ll also want their insurance information, a thorough description of their car or motorcycle, and their contact information.

Since you and everyone else in the world has a camera readily available in their pockets, you should photograph as much of the incident as possible. Take clear photos of both vehicles and/or motorcycles from multiple angles. Showcase the damage done and any other notable details you think might help your case.

File a Police Report

As stated, you should call 911 as soon as you can following a motorcycle accident.

Once you do, a police officer will arrive on the scene with any ambulances. Talk to the officer and answer any questions that they might have. Describe your version of the events from your perspective as clearly and succinctly as possible.

Following this, you will be asked to help in providing a police report. Again, you will be describing your version of the accident.

If you don’t follow through with filing the police report on time, you may face further legal troubles.

Also, if you begin to feel pain, start to hurt in a way you didn’t feel immediately following the accident, let the officer know.

You should seek immediate medical care for any pain that you feel. Not only should you nip any potential injuries in the bud, but getting a medical report of any injuries sustained will help you in the long run if you need to file a personal injury claim, something you should do with the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Make Note of the Surroundings

Accidents happen so fast, the details and specifics might slip past you and become hazy in hindsight. You might be shocked following the accident and potential trauma you suffered.

Therefore, make note of your surroundings following your accident, noting any details that might be pertinent to your accident.

Note any weather conditions, such as rain or snow, that might have contributed to or caused your accident.

Make a point to remember the speed limit posted where your accident occurred. If speeding was involved, it will be important to note in any police report you file.

Take photographs of the surrounding area, paying special attention to any roadway conditions that might have contributed to your accident.

Gather Witness Information

While not always available or possible to get, make sure you get the information of any witnesses nearby. A witness’ testimony can make a world’s difference, should you have to bring your case to court.

Just like with any driver involved in an accident, get the witness’ full name and contact information. Listen to their view of the events of the accident, making note of any information you might find useful later.

Get the California Legal Help you Deserve

The best thing you can do for yourself after a motorcycle accident is to get the help of an experienced group of Los Angeles Motorcycle accident attorneys.

After your accident, contact Tawni Takagi at (310) 954-7248.

With years of experience handling cases just like yours, our California motorcycle accident lawyers will help get you the compensation you are owed.