It came from nowhere, but it’s happened – you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident. In the midst of the shock and possible physical pain, it can be difficult and confusing knowing what to do next. The reality is that there are several steps you need to take as soon as possible, and it’s important to know what they are. In this article, we will discuss 6 key things you should be doing right after a motorcycle accident has occurred.
Get Medical Attention
Doctors and hospitals exist because they have the tools, training, knowledge, and resources to try and improve your condition after an accident. You could try doing this at home with ice packs or by taking over-the-counter pain medication but there is always a chance that you don’t notice an internal injury until it gets worse, or it’s too late.
Adrenaline can mask pain and some physical symptoms don’t always appear immediately after accidents have happened. Let a doctor take all the tests and scans they think fit, to make sure you receive the treatment that you need as quickly as possible.
Get Legal Assistance
If the accident was someone else’s fault, you should secure the services of a personal injury lawyer. Their job is to gather the evidence to show that someone else was responsible for your injuries, and to submit a claim for financial compensation. This would be to cover things like your motorcycle repairs or replacement, pain and suffering, trauma, medical expenses, and loss of income if you were unable to work following the accident. The lawyer would fight the other party’s insurance company on your behalf and be the contact point for all parties. They would also negotiate the final settlement figure.
Los Angeles is famous for the Hollywood entertainment industry and it has a population of over 3.8 million people. If you are suing someone personally after a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles, you can find out how to prove liability online. You could discover whether you’re suing the individual or the insurance company and also check whether suing is the most appropriate action to take.
Consider The Other Party
You need to get the full contact details of the person responsible for the accident. Also, ask for their insurance and driving license details. Don’t just assume that they own the vehicle they are driving – ask them.
Don’t admit liability or apologize or this could be used against you, and don’t become aggressive or accusing either. Having said that, it’s important that you immediately discuss what has occurred and why it has happened.
Notify The Police
The Police will be the first to arrive on the scene after an accident. They gather all of the information about what happened and who was involved. They may also get statements from everyone present and make sure the road is blocked off or safe for drivers to use. Your lawyer will use the eventual Police Accident report to support your legal claim.
Do not leave until the Police have given you permission because doing so could make it appear that you were speeding or at fault in some other way. This could result in charges being filed against you even if you weren’t at fault.
Gain Witness Statements
Seek these as soon as possible from anyone who saw what happened. It’s important to get these as early as you can after the accident because they may forget or misremember the events later on. Should the accounts conflict this would weaken your legal claim. Either get the accounts in writing or ask them to speak into your phone so you can record their statements.
Before the witnesses leave, be sure to collect their contact details so that your lawyer can get in contact later on.
Collate The Evidence
Take photos or videos of all the vehicles involved, including their registration plates and the damage they sustained. Also, take pictures of the nearby landmarks or road signs. A poorly maintained road may be the cause of the accident, for instance, because of overhanging trees, potholes, or poor lighting. Your lawyer may also enquire as to whether any CCTV footage exists that shows your accident. Other evidence would include your medical reports, test results, diagnosis, and invoices.
If you cover all 6 of these key areas you will be best-placed to recover from your injuries and to receive a fair financial settlement. Let a lawyer carry the strain so you can focus on your physical recovery. This way you can be free to rebuild your life in the best way possible.