Important Things to Keep in Mind Following a Motorcycle Accident
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, your bike could suffer serious damage. More alarmingly, you could face life-threatening injuries. When the crash occurred due to someone else’s negligence or deliberate actions, you could have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit. Such a complaint could get you the compensation you need to pay for your injuries and help you emotionally and financially. From the moment of your accident, there are some key steps you should follow to make sure you get the right help.
Stay at the Scene
Leaving the scene of the accident is one of the biggest mistakes that people make. Even if you don’t think you are badly hurt or that the accident was minor, you should always call the police and stick around until officers and other responders arrive. During this time, remain calm and allow the officers to investigate what happened. If other people who are involved in the accident leave, don’t follow them.
Get Other People’s Information
If you are physically and mentally able, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver or drivers. Never accuse someone else of causing the accident. Don’t refuse to provide your information to anyone else either.
Seek Medical Help
In the most serious accidents, an ambulance should transport you directly to the emergency room. If you do not believe your injuries are life-threatening, you may not need this sort of transportation, but you should still let a doctor examine you. Some injuries might not be immediately apparent. You also may not be able to detect personal harm, but a physician would be able to. Getting medical care following your accident is vital if you wish to file an injury case at a later date.
Contact the Insurance Companies
As soon after the accident as possible, call your insurance company and file a claim. Provide as many details about the accident as possible, and be accurate in your descriptions. If the police report determined that the other driver was at fault, contact that person’s insurance company.
Meet with an Attorney and File a Suit
If you believe another person was responsible for your injuries, talk to a lawyer, like a motorcycle accident lawyer from Yearin Law Office, promptly. Your attorney can help you decide whether it makes sense to pursue legal action. It’s best to not delay. In South Carolina, for example, you will have three years from the time of the incident to file a claim in court.
Don’t take a motorcycle accident lightly. These guidelines will help you take the appropriate steps.