Motorcycle accidents are always nerve-racking—even when they do not result in life-threatening injuries. If you ride regularly, it is important that you know how to respond in the event of a collision so you can remain calm at the scene when tensions are running high.
Knowing what to do may improve your chances of securing fair compensation if you file a personal injury claim, which is likely to happen since riders are prone to injuries in the event of an accident. In fact, the Insurance Information Institute reports that motorcyclists were 29 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger vehicle occupants per mile traveled in 2015. They were also five times more likely to sustain injuries.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash that was not your fault, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. A Cedar Rapids personal injury lawyer will evaluate your situation and provide comprehensive legal guidance. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free case evaluation.
Read on to learn what you should do after a motorcycle accident:
- Check for Injuries
Check yourself for any injuries, and remain still if you feel back pain. If you had a passenger on the back of your bike, check him or her for injuries, as well.
If you, your passenger, or anyone else involved in the collision sustained injuries, call 911 and request emergency medical assistance. Even if the injuries appear to be minor, you should still contact the police so an officer can create an accident report.
- Document the Scene
If you are steady on your feet, take photos of the scene from all angles. If you must move your bike out of the way of traffic, try to snap a few pictures before doing so. These photographs may help your attorney prove negligence and liability.
- Get Everyone’s Contact Information
Get the contact information of any other motorists and passengers involved. If there were any witnesses, ask for their contact information and see if they have time to stick around until the police arrive so they can give an official statement. Once the police arrive, get their names and badge numbers, as well as the number of the accident report that they will be filing on your behalf.
- Visit Your Doctor
Visit your doctor as soon as possible for a thorough exam. Some common motorcycle injuries are not apparent immediately following a collision, but they can be serious if left untreated.
- Call a Personal Injury Lawyer
An injury lawyer can gather evidence, calculate your damages, and negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf. Your attorney can also help you avoid costly mistakes such as overlooking future damages or making a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster.
If you sustained injuries in a motorcycle crash that was not your fault, turn to Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC for quality legal counsel. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free consultation with an accident attorney in Cedar Rapids. You can learn more about motorcycle accident claims in Iowa by visiting the USAttorneys website.