Knowing what to do at the scene of a motorcycle accident can be crucially important for protecting your legal rights. Perhaps the most important step you can take is to stay at the accident scene until law enforcement arrives.
Driving away from a motorcycle accident scene can work against you. Even if the accident is minor, you have already exchanged details with other persons involved in the accident, and there are no injuries, it is best to stay on-site.
Also, consider that if you later decide to take legal action against the responsible party, a police accident report will be a crucial piece of evidence. If law enforcement was not at the accident scene, you should go to the nearest police station or visit their website to file an incident report.
This can protect you legally, for example, if you later find out that your car suffered more damage than you initially thought, or you discover an injury. A report will most likely also be required for filing a claim with your car insurer.
However, there are many other important steps you can take at the accident scene that can help to protect your legal rights and may help you later on if you are looking for legal recourse.
Call 9-1-1 Right Away
The Insurance Information Institute (III) recommends alerting the police or highway patrol to an accident, especially if there are any injured persons at the scene. Calling for medical help and law enforcement can be your best first step at the scene of a motorcycle accident.
Resist the temptation to refuse medical assistance. Even if you do not have any immediate symptoms, you could have an injury with a delayed onset, such as a traumatic brain injury. If you decline medical assistance at the accident scene, you should visit your physician for a check-up, particularly if you are developing head or neck pain in the days after an accident. Medical records and reports will also be pivotal for proving your injuries in a lawsuit.
When the police arrive at the accident scene, make sure you convey all the details of the accident to the officer who is drafting an accident report. A police report can later serve as crucial evidence if you intend to file a claim against a negligent driver.
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Take Pictures and Videos of the Accident Scene
If you can, taking pictures or videos of the accident scene, motorcycle, and other vehicles involved, can be an excellent idea. Make sure your photographs are in focus and document the damage on vehicles.
It can be helpful to photograph the accident scene from various angles, provided you are able to do so without putting yourself in danger.
Your photographs and videos could potentially help accident reconstruction professionals piece together the details of an accident and ascertain who is at-fault for the crash.
Collect the Contact Details of Other Parties
Before you leave the accident scene, make sure that you collect the contact details of all other motorcyclists and drivers involved.
It is especially important to gather the address, telephone number, and insurance information of the at-fault driver or motorcyclist. If there are witnesses to the accident, try to gather their contact details also.
Eyewitness statements can be crucially important if you intend to hold the at-fault driver to account for your losses.
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Hire a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Last but by no means least, consider hiring an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as you can. Seeking professional legal protection from the start can be one of the smartest steps that accident victims can take.
A motorcycle accident lawyer can get to work immediately and not only protect your legal rights but also gather evidence to prove your claim. Your motorcycle accident lawyer can also discuss any legal options with you after an accident and negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance to try and recover a fair settlement.
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Speak with a Team Member at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers Today
If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle crash involving a negligent driver, Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can protect your legal rights and help you explore your options for legal recourse.
We could help you build a comprehensive case, negotiate with the insurance company, and potentially help you recover compensation for your expenses and suffering.
Timely action can be crucial for your claim. Call Bader Scott Injury Lawyers today for a complimentary case evaluation with one of our team members at (404) 888-8888.
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