The steps you take after an accident are important. As soon as you have been in an accident, you should assess yourself and your location. If you are in the middle of the road, you are at risk, so you should try to get to the sidewalk, shoulder of the road, or another safe place. Then you need to call 911 so that law enforcement and first responders can arrive at the scene to make a police report and treat any injured victims.
Accept Medical Help
The paramedics who respond to your accident may recommend that they take you to the nearest emergency room to have your injuries examined by a physician. Even if you don’t feel like you need to see a doctor, it’s worth it. That is because motorcycle injuries are typically a lot more serious than injuries sustained in a car accident since a car provides a greater level of protection in accidents. If you feel fine after an accident, that may be a response by your nervous system to help you deal with stress and danger. A licensed physician will be able to discover early signs of injuries that may only get worse in the next few days or weeks.
Exchange Information
Anytime you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you should exchange the following information with the other drivers involved and any witnesses:
- Your name
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Motorcycle/auto insurance information
Document What Happened With Photographs
Taking pictures of the scene of the accident will help you when filing your personal injury claim and your claim with the auto insurance company. Here are some tips to help you:
- Take close-up images to detail the damage
- Take images from a wider angle to capture the scene where the accident happened
- Make sure that your pictures include the license plates to distinguish between the vehicles
- Take pictures of any injuries
Speak To A Personal Injury Attorney
Henningsen Injury Attorneys, P.C. advises that you seek the guidance of a personal injury attorney so that you know your rights and what types of damages you may be entitled to. A personal injury attorney will evaluate your claim to determine who is liable for your injuries. Using evidence from witness testimony and the photos you took, they will build a case for you so that the driver who injured you will be held responsible, and their insurance company will pay for your damages. Since insurance companies typically try to save themselves money by not offering the amount that the injured person deserves, you should hire a personal injury attorney to get the maximum compensation for your losses.
Economic damages are the financial losses you suffered due to your accident. These include your lost wages, future lost earnings, and your medical expenses, such as your hospital stay, medical equipment like a wheelchair, or physical therapy visits.
Accidents can also cause emotional distress and lifelong physical impairment. Non-economic damages compensate victims for their pain and suffering and the accident’s effect on their physical and emotional health. You might be eligible to receive non-economic damages if your injuries required an amputation, led to paralysis, or the permanent loss of the use of an organ.
