Any motorcycle owner knows there are certain precautions to take before heading out on the road. If you own a bike, it’s essential you know what to do following an accident. While you’re probably as safe a driver as any, you don’t know what will happen out there on the road, so it’s important you’re prepared. The following are five actions you should take after being in a motorcycle accident.
1. Receive Medical Help
Nothing matters more than your health, so if you’re injured, do not turn down any medical attention. If you are fine, but there are other drivers, passengers or pedestrians involved, be sure to check on those individuals to check for injuries. Call 911 to ensure anyone who needs it receives adequate medical attention. This will also ensure the proper authorities are on the scene to make a police report.
2. Collect Evidence
If you are able, you could do this yourself, but if you are too injured, you could ask a witness or other individual to collect evidence for you. Take pictures of the scene. This includes pictures of your motorcycle, any other vehicles or property, yourself, other people involved, the scene leading up to the accident, the weather and any other evidence that could help to prove you were not at fault.
3. Clear the Road
Again, only do this if your injuries do not make you physically unable to do it. Leaving your crashed bike in the middle of the road will be a hindrance to other drivers, so it’s important you scoot it to the side of the road. If it’s safe to do so, clear the road of debris that may have broken off your bike or the other vehicle involved in the accident.
4. Collect Information
Collect names, email addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses. You should also get the name and badge number of the policeman who made the report. As you collect information, don’t neglect to gather the insurance information of the other driver.
5. Call Your Insurance Provider
You are required to report your accident to your insurance provider. Though you don’t have to go into details about why you were or were not at fault, your provider does need to know the accident occurred. Keep the details of your injuries or damage to your bike to yourself until you have seen a physician and had your bike to a repair shop.
Contacting Your Lawyer
Whether you plan to sue or accept an offer from the insurance company, be sure you have contacted a motorcycle accident attorney first. With legal representation on your side, it could be easier for you to get the compensation you are owed.
Source: Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Indianapolis, IN, Ward & Ward Law Firm