Motorcycle accidents are often very serious in nature, and victims may end up with serious injuries, or sustaining significant damage to their vehicle. With any accident scene, things can be chaotic and stressful, so it is a good idea to be prepared – whether you own and operate a motorcycle, or a vehicle that you plan to use on roads that may also be used by motorcycles. Consider following these steps if you find that you are involved in a motorcycle accident.
Since the motorcycle rider has much greater physical exposure than drivers of vehicles do, it is important for them to assess the situation and the damages quickly, and to get out of the way of more potential dangers, after an accident. Look for the presence of leaking gasoline, broken bones or a location such as a blind corner or a hilltop, where another accident is equally likely to occur. Remember how difficult it is to see a bike lying on its side and move it to the shoulder if possible. Do not let anyone light a flare if your bike is leaking gasoline.
With any accident, you must stop, as failure to do so may turn an accident into felony hit-and-run. Without admitting fault to anyone involved, take the time to make sure that all involved parties are hurt, and call the police. If there are injured parties, call an ambulance as well, and get the required medical treatment as necessary. Far greater injuries may be sustained by riders of motorcycles, and may include broken collarbones and concussions. If a professional offers you medical assistance, do not refuse. It. Make sure that you do not sign any form, nor should you give anyone at the scene a formal or informal statement, as this may later be used against you. Speak only to the police filing the accident report, and your own insurance agent. If possible, move the vehicles out of the way of traffic.
Exchange information with the other person involved in the accident. Make certain to correctly record and safely keep the following information: name, phone number and address, drivers’ license number, registration, insurance information (name, agent, policy and phone numbers). It is also a good idea to obtain vehicle information, such as make and model, license plate number and even when the vehicle registration expires. At this point, look for witnesses, and speak with them, recording their contact information as well, including name and telephone number. This includes any other riders in the vehicles that were involved in the accident.
If you have made a good habit out of keeping a camera on your person or in your vehicle at all times, then take pictures of the scene where the accident occurred and of the damage to both vehicles. If there are stop signs, signals, road construction, weather, or other factors that played a role in the accident, record them with a picture. Likewise, record any physical, bodily damage that may have been sustained by involved parties. If no police arrive to record a police report, consider making a trip to their station to report the accident yourself. As soon as possible, you are required by law to file a report with your local Department of Motor Vehicles if damages to a person or property are in excess of $500.00. Many motorcycle crashes cause irreparable damage to the helmet, so have it inspected, and purchase a new one if necessary.
Car accidents occur everyday. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may want to consult a motorcycle accident lawyer, truck accident lawyer, or car accident lawyer for legal guidance. www.lawyershop.com
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