What Bikers Need to Know After A Motorcycle Accident

Bikers know that there’s always the chance of being involved in a crash, which is why so many motorcyclists take all necessary precautions and observe the rules of the road religiously. After all, when your own well-being is on the line, you take safety more seriously than some of your fellow motorists.  

When a motorcycle accident does happen, it’s sometimes the fault of the other driver. If you’re fortunate enough to survive a collision with a negligent driver, you might be wondering what to do next.

General Guidelines After Being Involved in a Motorcycle Accident

Step 1: Check for injuries. If you or your passenger is injured, then you should make seeking medical care your top priority. If someone else was involved in the crash, you can also see if they are hurt, so first responders know the number of injured people at the scene of the accident.

Step 2: Call 911. Call the police so they can come to the scene and file a police report. If anyone is injured, request an ambulance on this call, too. In extreme medical emergencies you should ask for an airlift from a private company like Air Ambulance 1 ( https://www.airambulance1.com/location-state/california/) that can quickly provide the critical medical transport care you may need.

Step 3: Exchange information with the other driver. You don’t want to engage in lengthy conversations with the other driver, because everything you say, no matter how well-intentioned, can be used against you later. Be matter-of-fact and exchange insurance and contact information.

Step 4: If possible, take pictures and talk to witnesses. Unless your injuries prevent you from doing so, take pictures of the scene of the motorcycle accident, including the area where the crash occurred and any damage to your motorcycle.

Step 5: Cooperate with police. Once the police respond to the scene, comply with their requests and cooperate with them to the best of your ability. They will file a police report that you will later need in order to file an insurance claim.

Step 6: Seek medical treatment. If your injuries are potentially severe, go with emergency medical responders in the ambulance you requested. If you’re unsure of how serious your injuries might be, don’t forgo medical care. At the very least, go to the doctor as soon as you have finished speaking to the police and you are cleared to leave.

Step 7: Notify your insurance company. You’ll want to tell your insurer about your crash as soon as possible. Cooperate with your insurance company. If contacted by the other driver’s insurance company, you should avoid speaking to them. They want you to make a statement that will reduce the amount of money they offer you. If you have an attorney, refer the other driver’s insurance company representative to them.

Step 8: Keep track of expenses. Keep copies of any bills or documents you receive in the days, weeks, or months following your accident. These bills will help you determine how much money you deserve.

Step 9:Take proactive action by reaching out to Michigan motorcycle accident lawyers to help you build a case. These legal experts specialize in navigating the intricacies of local state law to secure an equitable compensation offer. They will negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies and make sure you don’t make any missteps that hurt your chances of getting the payment you deserve.

Every crash is different, so some of the guidelines listed above might not apply to your situation. If you're unsure of what to do and you have an attorney that you trust, call them as soon as possible after the crash. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will be able to walk you through the process and provide guidance based on your specific circumstances.

Many things can work against a biker seeking compensation for injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident. However, it's important to hold firm to make sure you get the payment that reflects the costs you face. An attorney's job is to make sure you are treated fairly and get the compensation you deserve.