What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

What you do after a motorcycle accident will affect your compensation. Immediately after the crash, you may be confused and might not know how to react. You should always prioritize your own safety. When you are out of harm’s way, evaluate the incident.

Take the following steps after a motorcycle accident:

• Contact the police
• Report the motorcycle crash to your insurance company
• Exchange information with the other people involved in the incident
• Document the accident scene
• Seek medical assistance
• Work with a local motorcycle accident attorney

To make sure you do everything you can to protect the value of your claim, consult an experienced Norfolk motorcycle accident lawyer. Your attorney will compassionately guide you through each step and always represent your best interests.

Contact the Police

The first thing you should do after a motorcycle accident that results in injury or death is report the incident to the police. In Virginia, for example, this is required by the Code of Virginia § 46.2-371. This allows authorities to respond and examine the scene quickly. Failing to report such accidents is a Class 4 misdemeanor.

The officer at the scene will investigate, speak to the others involved, and interview witnesses. According to the Code of Virginia § 46.2-373, the officer has 24 hours to submit a written report if the accident caused property damage over $1,500, injury, or death.

The police report includes details like:

• Insurance information for each motorist
• Speed of each vehicle
• The kind of vehicles involved
• Whether the trucks involved were uncovered or covered

After fatal accidents, the deceased victim’s living family members can get damages. As an experienced wrongful death attorney, I provide compassionate legal care to families during this painful time. I will fight for justice and help you honor your loved one’s memory.

Report the Motorcycle Crash to Your Insurance Provider

Insurance policies generally require you to report a collision to your insurance company within a specific time frame. If you miss this deadline, adjusters may deny the claim.

When notifying insurance adjusters, be very careful about anything you say. Provide basic details like the time, location, and date, but avoid speculating about the cause of the crash. Adjusters will use your statements against you.

Insurance companies are profit-driven and prioritize their profits. Claims adjusters are trained to minimize or deny claims by questioning how severe your injuries are and your contribution to the crash. To protect your interests, you need a personal injury lawyer and let them handle the insurance companies.

Exchange Information With the Other People Involved in the Incident

Motorists have certain responsibilities in case of an accident. In Virginia, this is outlined in the Code of Virginia § 46.2-894. When a collision results in property damage, injury, or death, drivers must stop near the scene of the accident.

All parties involved in the crash have to share the following important information:

• Address
• Name
• License number
• Vehicle registration number

Document the Motorcycle Accident Scene

If you did not suffer a catastrophic injury, document the fresh evidence at the scene. As time passes, important evidence can be lost or damaged, and witnesses forget. Gathering this information is crucial if you decide to take legal action.

Document the motorcycle accident scene by:

• Snapping photos of the damage to your motorcycle
• Photographing any other property damage
• Noting down traffic signals and license plates
• Photographing your injuries
• Filming the area where the crash happened

Having visual proof from the motorcycle accident scene increases the value of your claim. This also strengthens your position during compensation negotiations. Your lawyer will gather additional information to support your account.

Get Medical Assistance

Motorcycle riders are more exposed to injury in a crash than drivers because motorcycles lack the protective structure of cars, such as doors, roofs, and airbags. Without a metal frame to absorb impact, riders are more vulnerable to direct contact with other vehicles, the road, and surrounding objects.

By getting medical care right after the crash, a healthcare professional can treat your injuries and speed up the recovery process. Your medical records will also add great value to your claim and help show how much money you had to spend because of your injuries.

Hire a Local Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Filing a claim or a lawsuit after a motorcycle crash can be intimidating, especially with mounting medical expenses and lost wages. A motorcycle accident attorney will take care of any problems related to your claim, allowing you to focus on getting better.

Your motorcycle accident attorney will:

• Evaluate damages
• Establish fault
• Collect evidence
• Handle documentation and paperwork
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• Represent you in court
• Keep you updated about the progress in your case

Working with a local motorcycle accident attorney after a crash is best because they understand the specific laws and regulations in your area. They have experience dealing with local courts and insurance companies, which can help streamline your case.

A local attorney is also familiar with common accident sites and can gather relevant evidence more effectively. This increases your chances of getting more than the average settlement for a motorcycle accident case.

Call Atkinson Law for a Free Legal Consultation

You might be unsure what to do after a motorcycle accident. As your attorney, I’ll tell you everything you need to know to make confident decisions about your claim.

Plus, I work on contingency, meaning you won’t pay upfront fees for my legal assistance. You only pay if we win your case. Contact Atkinson Law today to discuss your next steps.