Important Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
Jan 15, 2021
Safety is one of the biggest concerns for motorcyclists. Thanks to the size of a motorcycle and the lack of protection it offers, especially when compared to larger vehicles, riders are particularly vulnerable to serious injury or death in an accident. This is why it is important to know what to do if a motorcycle accident occurs.
Call 911 and wait for help to arrive. The number one concern after an accident is the safety of everyone involved in the accident and drivers who may be coming upon the scene. Move out of the road only if there is danger of your bike being hit or causing further damage. If it is not a safety threat leave it where it is, as this can be important information to examine in an accident investigation.
Do not attempt to remove your helmet and gear yourself. Doing this could worsen a head or spinal injury and should be done by paramedics or other medical professionals. Even if you think you are not badly hurt, the true extent of an injury can be masked by all the adrenaline produced by the body in response to a dangerous situation. Accident victims are sometimes in shock and do not realize how serious their injuries are. This is another reason why it is important to be checked out by a medical professional after an accident.
Stay as calm as possible. Accidents and injuries are scary, and emotions run high in the aftermath. While it is normal to be shaken up, angry, upset or frightened, avoid doing anything that could cause further damage.
Take pictures and video. If you are able, document everything you can in detail. Take photos and video of the scene, including the vehicles involved, road conditions, injuries and anything else that seems pertinent. Get the names and insurance information of other drivers and contact information from witnesses.
Contact an experienced attorney. Soon after a motorcycle accident, you might get a call from a representative of the at-fault party’s insurance company. Be careful. The insurance company might offer a settlement, but most likely, it will be a small fraction of what would justly compensate you for your injuries. Before you sign any document or accept any offers over the phone, talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer. Insurance companies have teams of people working for them who exist solely to pay victims as little as possible. They do not have your best interests in mind.
At The de la Garza Law Group, our Houston motorcycle accident attorneys are ready to help you. Call us at 713-784-1010 or toll free at 844-784-1010 for a free consultation. If injuries prevent you from traveling easily to our offices, our team can meet with you at your home or hospital room. We work on a contingency, which means we only get paid if we win your case; our fee is a percentage of the total recovery. If we make no recovery for you, you owe us nothing.