As a motorcycle rider, you love the experience: the wind in your face and the engine humming beneath you. But someone acting negligently on the road can put you in serious danger.
Now, the road shifts beneath your tires, and the world flips sideways in a blur of metal, gravel, and panic.
As a rider, you know the risks, but that does not make the aftermath of a motorcycle accident any easier to handle.
If you have just been through a motorcycle crash or are helping someone who has, here is what you need to know about what to do after a motorcycle accident.
Check Yourself First
If you are conscious after the crash, take a moment to do a quick self-assessment:
Can you move?
Are you bleeding?
Is your helmet still on?
If you can, get out of traffic and move to a safe spot. Call 911 immediately. Sometimes, we may think that others have made the call, but they haven’t, which can delay medical help.
Even if it seems like a “minor” accident, you want medical help on the scene and a police report for the record.
Your adrenaline may be hiding pain right now. Don’t ignore any symptoms; you will want to get them checked out.
Don’t Brush It Off
It is tempting to wave off any pain or discomfort, especially if you are the type to walk it off and tough it out. But even if you feel “okay,” injuries from motorcycle accidents can show up hours or days later.
These can include:
- Concussions
- Internal bleeding
- Torn ligaments
- Road rash that gets infected
Make sure to go to the ER or urgent care. You want to let a doctor do a full evaluation. Medical records are more than just paperwork; they are your proof in an accident claim. If you wait too long, the insurance company may argue that your injuries did not come from the crash.
Collect What You Can at the Scene
If you can safely move around, start documenting details. This part can feel overwhelming, but even a few quick photos can make a big difference.
You may want to focus on:
- Pictures of your bike, the other vehicles, the road, skid marks, signs, and anything that seems important.
- Contact and insurance information from everyone involved.
- Names and phone numbers of witnesses. You should never assume the police will collect all of them.
If your phone is dead or you are too shaken to answer it, ask a bystander for help. Most people are willing to help if you just ask.
Talk to the Police
When the police arrive, you want to give a calm and honest account. Don’t speculate about what happened; don’t say it was your fault, even if you think it may have been.
You will want to let the investigation play out. Stick to the truth, but be careful with your words.
And make sure to ask how to get a copy of the police report. You will need it later.
Notify Your Insurance
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as you can. Once again, stick to the facts. This is not the time for a full statement, especially if you are still in shock or have not seen a doctor yet.
You do not have to agree to a recorded call right away. You will want to follow up after speaking with an attorney.
Insurance adjusters are trained to settle claims fast and cheap. You never want them to minimize what happened to you.
Keep Quiet Online
After a traumatic experience, you want to reach out to others. This can involve posting photos of the wreck, telling friends you’re okay, or just venting.
But insurance companies do check your social media. And that smiling picture from other events can be used to argue that your injuries were not bad.
Stay offline if you can, or at minimum, do not post anything related to the accident, your injuries, or your recovery.
Get a Lawyer Who Understands Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accident claims are different from car accident claims. They come with more severe injuries, more complex liability issues, and more bias against the rider.
Some people assume that you must have been speeding or taking risks on the motorcycle. You need someone in your corner who understands the reality of the road.
A good personal injury attorney will:
- Deal with the insurance companies
- Investigate the crash
- Help you get the medical care you need
- File within West Virginia’s statute of limitations
- Fight for the compensation you deserve
Recovering from a motorcycle crash takes time and help. You will probably have many expenses, bills, and other damages related to the crash. You can take legal action if someone’s negligence leads to your collision.
At DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, our motorcycle lawyers can help.
