If you are in a motorcycle accident and you are fortunate enough to be alert and responsive after the fact, were you aware that there are several key things you should keep in mind? First, you should go to the hospital to receive the appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Second, you should collect contact information from any other parties to the accident and document the scene, and your injuries, with photographs or recordings. Third, you should file an insurance claim as soon as possible after the accident.
Motorcycle accidents can result in devastating injuries. You may be riding on an adrenaline high after an accident. While this keeps your brain functioning and alert, it can also mask more serious injuries. It may be best to go to the hospital even if you think you are doing fine, just to make sure you are truly all right after a motorcycle accident. Common medical occurrences include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), broken ribs, and internal bleeding. These injuries can all be sustained during an accident even if you are wearing a helmet and may not be visible at first glance. In addition, you may need documentation of any injuries for a police report or insurance claim to be filed.
Police will often collect contact information from all parties to an accident, but to avoid any errors and help ensure you have the right information, it may be wise to try and do this yourself as well. You should also take photos of damage to yourself or your property sustained in the accident, and perhaps take photographs or recordings of license plates of other vehicles involved or of other damage at the scene. Once the police have compiled their report, obtain a copy as soon as possible.
With regard to filing an insurance claim, this is not a one step process. You should file a claim with your motorcycle insurance carrier, and you may need to be in contact with the insurance carrier for the other party as well, no matter who was at fault. Each carrier may ask you to submit different types of documentation and information, which is where the above will come in handy. Remember to be patient during the process and ensure all of your information is detailed and accurate for the best possible outcome.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by the negligence of another, we are here to protect and fight for your legal right to full and fair compensation for your injuries. We are your local, experienced, law firm! Do not hesitate to call, chat or click here to contact us today!