Photo from http://motorbikeutopia.blogspot.com/2012/05/getting-started-first-steps-to-riding.html
Riding motorcycles is fun, accidents are not. Taking motorcycle safety courses, wearing protective gear and being attentive are always good motorcycle habits, but it may not always prevent an accident. Do you know what to do if you are in an accident?
Here are six things you must do in an accident:
1. Keep Calm
After any kind of accident, this is the most difficult step but may be the most important. To really assess the situation and figure out the best plan of action, you need to keep calm. If you are feeling anxious, take deep breaths to calm yourself.
It is important to remain still and do a thorough check of your body to figure out if you have injuries and how serious they are by taking a mental inventory of your body from your toes to your head.
2. Assess the situation
First, check on your passenger if you have one. Then check on the condition of anyone else involved in the accident. Tell them to perform the mental inventory of their body as well. Next, call 911 and look around the scene for any other present dangers like fire, leaking fluids or oncoming traffic. Take precautions to make sure everyone involved is safe. Make sure police have been notified.
3. Record Details
Take as many pictures or notes as you can. If you do not have a camera with you, take plenty of notes and return to the scene later to take pictures.
Things to record:
1. Date, time, location, weather and road conditions
2. Your account of the accident with a diagram
3. Injuries and damages
4. Make, model and license plate of any vehicle involved
5. Names, phone numbers and insurance information of all involved
6. Names and numbers of willful witness
Things to photograph:
1. Skid marks
2. Street signs
3. Visual obstructions
4. Road abnormalities
5. Property Damage
4. Contact Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with any information you have collected and assist them with any other information they may need.
5. Maintain Records
Keep all information you gathered in one organized location like a folder in case you need to refer to them quickly. Make sure to get a copy of the police report and save an e-mails and receipts incurred during the accident including towing, storage or rental cars.
6. Contact a Lawyer
Most lawyers will offer free consultations or help explain what you should do next. Be sure to select one that has through knowledge and experience in your type of accident.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, don't hesitate to contact THE Motorcycle Lawyer for FREE advice. The Number to call if you Fall is 877-Biker-LAW. You can visit our website for more information or to send us a message.