There were approximately 88,000 motorcyclists injured in accidents in 2015. Let that number sink in for a moment. That’s 88,000 people who were involved in accidents. 88,000 people who were injured. 88,000 people whose quality of life was impacted.
It’s probably safe to assume that not all the 88,000 individuals took the proper steps right after their accident. Not only is this a bad idea from a safety standpoint, but it’s likely to impact any legal proceedings you take in the future.
With this fact in mind, we have created a guide listing five things you should do right after a motorcycle accident. By following these steps, you will be safer in the immediate aftermath of an accident and may enhance your legal position later down the road.
#1 – Check for Injuries
The very first thing you should do after an accident is check yourself and anyone else involved for injuries. Some injuries, like broken bones, will be obvious. Some are a bit subtler. A traumatic brain injury, for example, may not be immediately apparent.
A big caveat to checking for injuries is if you, yourself, are too injured to move. You should not put yourself in more danger to make sure others are safe. This is especially the case for spinal and neck injuries, among others.
#2 – Document the Scene
Documenting the scene includes taking pictures of the vehicle(s) involved in the accident, any injuries yourself or others sustained, the area around the accident, nearby traffic signs, and the general traffic pattern.
It also includes gathering insurance and license information from the other parties. This may not seem necessary right away, but it’s a smart idea to get this information at the scene.
#3 – Call the Police
Calling the police may not seem necessary for smaller accidents. If no one is harmed and the damage is minimal, it may seem excessive to involve the police; however, this is NOT the case at all.
Not only will police officers file an official police report, which will be beneficial in any legal proceedings, but they will be able to give an opinion of fault which could be beneficial later.
#4 – Avoid Admitting Fault
Speaking of fault, you should never admit fault under any circumstances. While this is straightforward, things become a bit more complicated when considering the natural human impulse to apologize.
DO NOT apologize to the other parties involved in your accident. An apology can be construed as admitting fault. Avoid this at all costs.
Bonus: Call Marsalisi Law
This is a bonus tip, but one well worth taking. Call us today if you have been involved, or know someone who has been involved in a motorcycle accident. Not only will we make sure you have great legal representation, as made clear in our overwhelming positive reviews and testimonials, but we will give you a 100% free consultation.
Perhaps more importantly, we are WHERE LAW GETS PERSONAL. We are with you every step of the way, from your first phone call to your final day in court. We make sure we know your case front and back and won’t stop until you get a favorable outcome. Contact us today!