Monday, 15 April 2013 22:31

What To Do If You Get In a Motorcycle Accident

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One minute you are cruising down the highway, listening to the wind stream by and the rumble of your engine, and out of nowhere you are hit by another vehicle.It can happen in an instant, and following the right steps after an auto accident is important for any driver, but especially motorcycle riders because the injuries tend to be more serious and the legal procedures more complex. Here is a checklist of what to do if you are involved in a motorcycle accident:

1. Call the police.

The first thing you will need to do if you get into an accident is dial 911. Firstly, this will alarm medical assistance to be dispatched to the scene of the accident in case anyone has sustained injuries. Oftentimes, injuries are not evident at first, so only medical personnel will be able to determine if an individual needs further care.

Secondly, police officers will file a report and begin the legal process of determining who is at fault in the accident. Without a police report, a motorcycle accident attorney will not be able to make a case for you in court, so this step is essential for future compensation claims.

2. Obtain the contact information of all parties involved in the accident.

As you wait for the police to arrive, get the name, insurance information, address, and contact information of any persons involved in the crash. Make sure the other driver shows you their license, to prove that they are legally permitted to operate a vehicle.

You can also ask for written statements from any witnesses of the accident for future use in proving fault.

3. Only discuss the accident with a police officer.

Wait until the police officer arrives to discuss the details of the crash, and most importantly, never admit liability for the accident. Riders can get tripped up when something they admitted to at the scene of the accident is used as evidence against them in court. Answer the officer’s questions by just stating the facts and keeping it basic.

4. Take notes and pictures of the crash scene.

It is always recommended for a motorcycle rider to carry around a camera (preferably digital) in case you are involved in an accident. If you don’t have a camera, use your phone. Take as many pictures as possible—damage to your motorcycle, damage to the other vehicle, debris, weather conditions, etc.

Also, immediately write down everything that happened. Over time, details of the crash can be distorted or forgotten, especially after an incident as jarring as a motorcycle wreck. These details can mean the difference between receiving compensation or not, so record the order of events for future reference.

5. Do not leave the scene of the accident early.

Before you leave the scene of the accident, make sure all injured individuals have been helped first. Also, check with the officer to see if they need any additional information from you, and obtain a copy of the police report.

6. Notify your insurance company.

Immediately following an accident, you should notify your insurance company and provide them with all necessary documents. Failure to do so could be grounds for your case to be dismissed in court.

7. Visit a doctor.

Whether you think you were injured or not, visit a physician. If you do have any injuries from the accident, a doctor will be able to provide diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the physician’s testimony may be required in court to determine the extent of your injuries, which is necessary for calculating the compensation you are entitled to.

8. Contact an attorney.

Motorcycle crashes differ from auto accidents because of the severity of most incidents, as well as the prejudice that many bikers face from jury member. The only way to receive the best legal defense is to contact a motorcycle accident attorney.

More: http://www.amazines.com/Automotive/article_detail.cfm/5617519?articleid=5617519

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