If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Smyrna, there are several steps you can take in the aftermath of the accident. To ensure you receive the treatment and compensation you need to recover from your injuries and financial losses, seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t think you’ve suffered substantial injuries. You should also reach out to your insurance company to make sure they have a record of the incident.
We also encourage you to consult with a Smyrna motorcycle accident lawyer as early as possible after your accident. Our team can provide you with legal guidance specific to your unique circumstances. Read on for more steps to take after a motorcycle accident.
What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
The following are important measures you should take following a motorcycle accident. If you are unable to complete any of these tasks, your attorney can handle them on your behalf.
Check for Injuries
If you are able to, move to a safe location if possible and attempt to move your motorcycle off the road. Look over yourself for injuries and seek medical attention if needed. After an accident, the brain and body often experience a rush of adrenaline. This effect can lead to impaired judgment and difficulty determining if you’ve been injured, as it can reduce physical pain related to injuries.
Motorcycle crashes can result in many types of injuries, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the most common motorcycle injuries include brain trauma, spinal injuries, road rash, muscle damage, nerve damage, broken bones, and others.
Call 911
Contact emergency services to report the accident if another party has not done so. At this time, you should also report if anyone else was injured in the crash. If you believe you are injured, you should remain calm and still as you wait for medical personnel to arrive.
Do not admit fault at the scene. It is the job of the insurance companies and legal professionals to determine liability. Georgia is an at-fault state for accident claims, which means that before an insurance company will offer compensation to cover your losses, such as medical bills and property damage, you or your attorney will need to demonstrate which driver was at fault for the crash.
Exchange Contact and Insurance Information
If you are able to communicate with the other driver, exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident. You should supply and gather the following:
- Full name and contact information
- Car make, model, year, color, and license plate
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance company and policy number
You should also obtain contact information for any passengers or eyewitnesses if possible.
In some instances, the other driver may be taken into custody. This could be related to drunk driving, distracted driving, or other serious traffic violations. In this case, you may not be able to collect information at the scene. If you have an attorney, they can do this for you.
Document the Accident Scene
Take pictures or videos of the accident scene, including any damage to vehicles, injuries, current road and weather conditions, and any traffic signs, lights, or potential hazards in the area. Try to take photos before anything is moved. If this isn’t possible, just ensure you capture images of all the vehicles involved from various angles, including license plates.
File a Police Report
Regardless of the severity of the accident and your injuries, you need to alert law enforcement. When the police arrive, you should request their names and badge numbers, as well as ask about obtaining a copy of the accident report. If police do not arrive at the scene, you may need to file a police report at the local precinct as soon as possible.
Inform Your Insurance Company
Report your accident to your insurer and provide them with accurate and detailed information so you can make a claim. They will ask you specific questions about the accident, so you will want to do this as soon as possible while your memory of the incident is fresh.
If you have an attorney, they can do this on your behalf. This is ideal to ensure you don’t say anything to your insurer that could be used against you.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have not already, we urge you to consult with a personal injury lawyer who regularly handles motorcycle accidents. This should be done as early as possible in the process, so they can begin investigating your case, provide you with legal guidance, and protect your right to compensation.
For a free legal consultation, call (404) 888-8888
Motorcycle Accidents FAQs
What Types of Damages Can I Seek in an Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Claim?How Do I File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Decatur?What Are the Helmet Laws for Motorcyclists in Decatur?Do I Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?What Are the First Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Smyrna?How Do I File a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Atlanta?Benefits of Having a Personal Injury Attorney Handle Your Claim
Having a legal professional handle most of the above tasks on your behalf will make it much less stressful for you. Your attorney will ensure your rights are protected and that every aspect of the insurance and legal process is correctly addressed.
Other vital tasks include the following:
- Conducting a thorough investigation into the accident and collecting evidence, such as photos, video, and eyewitness statements
- Identifying and calculating all of your financial and personal losses that resulted from the accident
- Obtaining and maintaining documentation such as your medical records, the police report, any traffic citations issued, and other relevant paperwork
- Using evidence to establish who may be at fault for the accident and liable for compensation
- Communicating and negotiating with insurance companies seeking a fair settlement
- Filing a lawsuit if an agreement cannot be reached and ensuring it’s submitted before the deadline set forth by O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33
- Representing you at trial, if necessary
Contact Bader Scott Injury Lawyers for a Consultation
You should never underestimate the severity motorcycle accident injuries. Moreover, you should do everything within your power to protect your health and financial security for the months and years to come.
Contact us today and learn more about our legal team at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers for a free case review. We work tirelessly to provide the legal guidance and support required to secure fair compensation and peace of mind for our clients.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
