What Should I Do First If I Was Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident?

It can be hard to decide what to do first after a motorbike collision. Assuming you’re conscious and not in immediate danger, what is more important: calling the police, seeking medical treatment, or evidence gathering? Or should you call a motorcycle accident attorney for a legal consultation right away?

If you ever end up injured in a motorcycle crash due to the negligence of another, the following five steps will protect your rights and make it easier to claim compensation. 

1. Call 911 and the Police

Unless it’s a medical emergency, calling the police should be a priority after an accident. Ideally, you should stay on the scene until law enforcement officers arrive.

However, if you suffered a severe injury and need urgent medical help, go to the hospital. Everything else (like gathering evidence or collecting witnesses’ contact information) can wait. 

Letting the police know about an accident is crucial for two reasons. First, failing to report an accident could be a criminal offense. Second, the police report will likely serve as a key piece of evidence in your claim.

2. Collect Evidence

The accident scene is full of important evidence that will vanish quickly unless you record it immediately after the collision. 

Did anyone else witness the accident? If they are still around, get their contact info. You could even have them record a brief account of what they saw. Are there local business or traffic lights which may have surveillance video of the crash?  All of this evidence will be helpful when you’re working on your claim with a motorcycle accident attorney. You should exchange contact and insurance information with the other motorist.

Take pictures and videos of the entire accident scene from all angles, including all the vehicles involved in the crash, damage to your vehicle, and important details like skid marks, debris, and potholes.

3. See a Doctor

Maybe you think your injuries aren’t very serious and that you only need a little rest and some Tylenol. Please take no unnecessary risks and go for a check-up within 24 hours. Many serious injuries, like concussions, TBIs, and internal organ damage, can go unnoticed at first. 

Strictly follow any treatment recommendations you receive and save all your medical records. These, too, will play a crucial role in building your claim and calculating your settlement.

4. Call Your Insurer

You’ll need to report the accident to your insurance company (typically within 72 hours) to protect your insurance coverage. Call your insurer and let them know of the accident, but be brief and stick to the facts. Don’t agree to give a recorded statement, and don’t accept any compensation offers before consulting a lawyer.

5. Talk to a Lawyer

Call a motorcycle accident lawyer in the first couple of days after your accident. You might even want to do that before you talk to your insurer.

As a rule, the sooner you start working with a lawyer, the better chance you’ll have of settling your claim successfully and reasonably fast. Your attorney can let you know what to say to insurers and what to do to reinforce your claim. 

Call Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway, P.C. After a Motorcycle Accident in NM or TX

Did you suffer a motorcycle accident in Texas or New Mexico? Call us at Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway, P.C. For the past three decades, our law firm has fought for the rights of accident victims and their families. We’ll work hard to handle your personal injury claim as quickly and efficiently as possible while you focus on recovery.

Call 800-433-2408 or contact us online for a free consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney.