5 Steps to Take After Getting Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident

Although a relatively small percentage of auto accidents are deadly, motorcycle riders are at an especially high risk of sustaining fatal injuries in the event of a collision. Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles do not have a “crumple zone” and therefore do not provide any protection from the force of impact.

It is not uncommon for injured riders to need emergency care, invasive surgeries, and several months of recovery time. The associated costs can add up fast, but victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Building a strong personal injury claim does not begin when you hire a motorcycle accident attorney; it starts when you are still at the scene. Below, we’ve outlined a few steps you should take following a motorcycle crash to give your claim the best possible chance of resulting in a fair settlement:

1. Call the Police 

Accident scenes are inherently chaotic, and it is common for tensions to run high. This is one reason why you should call the police after any collision regardless of whether someone was injured.

Responding officers will deescalate any potential confrontations, direct traffic away from the scene, obtain witness statements, ensure all those involved cooperate, and draft an official report. If you or someone else was hurt, this report will serve as valuable evidence to prove liability and damages. 

2. Photograph the Wreckage 

Once police arrive and direct passing motorists away from the area, it should be safe to walk around and photograph the wreckage from all angles. Be sure to capture both small and large details such as skid marks, broken glass, weather conditions, street signs, injuries, traffic signals, and the flow of nearby traffic. 

3. Exchange Information 

Don’t forget to gather information from the other motorists involved before leaving the scene. This includes each party’s:

• Full name;
• Driver’s license number;
• Contact information;
• License plate number; and
• Insurance coverage information. 

4. Visit a Doctor 

If responders do not transport you to a hospital straight from the scene, visit a doctor as soon as possible after leaving. This will ensure you receive treatment for all injuries including those that have latent symptoms. It will also demonstrate that you are doing everything possible to mitigate your damages and will help your attorney tie your injuries to the crash. 

5. Call a Motorcycle Accident Attorney 

As soon as you feel well enough to discuss what happened, call an attorney. By taking immediate action, you can avoid missing critical deadlines or making mistakes early in the proceedings that would jeopardize your case. Consulting a lawyer right away will also give your legal team the opportunity to investigate the incident while time-sensitive evidence is still available.

Call 800-770-7008 to Speak with a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Minneapolis 

If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident with a drunk, distracted, or careless driver, turn to Bradshaw & Bryant. Our clients appreciate the knowledge, strategic counsel, and aggressive representation we bring to their cases. Call 320-259-5414 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Minneapolis