A motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, and what you do next can impact your health, safety, and legal rights. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that there were 6,222 motorcyclist fatalities in 2022. Crashes involving motorcycles are common in the United States, so it is important to know what to do after a motorcycle accident.
Steps To Take After a Motorcycle Accident
Knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident can help you get the medical care you need and protect your right to compensation. Some of the most common motorcycle injuries include head injuries and crushing injuries to the lower extremities. Following these steps after a motorcycle accident will help ensure that you get timely medical treatment as well as suitable compensation for your damages.
Call the Police
After an accident, you should immediately check yourself and others for injuries and then call the police. It is always worth your while to report a motorcycle accident to the police, even if it seems like a minor collision. This will create an official record of the events that will be helpful if either side chooses to pursue a legal claim later.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Motorcycle riders and vehicle passengers can sustain serious injuries after a crash, even if they feel fine afterward. Err on the side of caution by getting a checkup from emergency responders or a qualified physician as soon as possible.
Document the Accident
If you decide to seek compensation from the other party for your damages, proper documentation can serve as powerful evidence. Take photos of the damage and exchange contact information with any witnesses who saw the crash.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Consider calling a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as you can. Your lawyer can explain what you should say to the insurance company. They can also evaluate your damages and help you decide if it is worth pursuing a claim.
What Not To Do After a Motorcycle Accident
There are some common mistakes that people often make after experiencing a motorcycle accident. It is important to avoid these mistakes so that you can recover full compensation and avoid wrongful blame.
Do Not Leave the Accident Scene
Leaving the scene of a motorcycle accident can be an honest mistake. You might think it is fine to do so if nobody got hurt and there is seemingly no damage to either vehicle. However, leaving before the police arrive is a hit-and-run. You might face serious consequences, especially if significant damage does come to light later.
Do Not Admit Fault
It is impossible to understand all the facts surrounding an accident immediately after the incident. That is why you should avoid admitting any degree of fault and let investigators determine who is liable instead. For example, one of the subtle factors that determine fault in a motorcycle accident is whether or not the motorcyclist had a valid license.
Understanding Motorcycle License Laws in Your State
A valid California motorcycle license is either an M1 or M2 license, depending on the type of motorcycle in operation. This differs from the systems in Arizona and New Mexico, in which an Endorsement or Class M holder can operate any motorcycle.
The Colorado motorcycle license system works similarly to the one in California. A rider with an M Endorsement can legally operate any motorcycle, but someone with a 3 Endorsement can only operate 3-wheeled motorcycles.
Call Sargon Law Group After a Motorcycle Accident
If you are unsure what to do after a motorcycle accident, our team at Sargon Law Group is here to help. We fight for injured motorcyclists in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and California. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.