Motorcycle Accident 101: What to do After a Crash
Posted Friday, January 7, 2022 by Chris Thayer
Washington state boasts some of the most stunning natural views in the country, and can be an amazing place to ride a motorcycle. However, doing so is not without risks. In fact, each year over 5,000 motorcyclists die as a result of crashes. Often these crashes are through no fault of their own, and are caused by drunk or distracted drivers who have far more protection in vehicles, leaving motorcyclists vulnerable to hit-and-run accidents and catastrophic injuries. If you have been in a motorcycle accident in Washington state, here is what you need to know to protect yourself and your personal injury claim in the aftermath of a crash.
*Tips for After a Motorcycle Accident * - Get out of the road as fast as possible. Motorcyclists can be hard for other cars to spot, particularly when they fall off of their bike and are on the level of the road. Your top priority in the aftermath of an accident is to get out of the way of traffic as fast as possible to avoid further risk of injury or death. - Call for help. If there is any chance that you or anyone else in the accident is injured, it is important to call the police to report the accident and request paramedics. If no one appears to be injured, you should still call if the accident has left debris in the road or the vehicles cannot be safely removed from the roadway. Be sure to leave your helmet and any protective gear on until the police and first responders arrive. - Collect Evidence. If you are physically able, do what you can to take photos and videos of the scene. Make sure to photograph the damage, as well as the license plates of any vehicles involved. Take video of the scene, including any traffic signs and signals. Collect the other drivers’ insurance information, registration, and license information. Also get contact information for any possible witnesses who saw the crash. - Observe the other driver. Try not to engage angrily with the other driver or accost them. Do observe them to see if they are acting like they may be under the influence. If they seem like they may be, be sure to tell police when they arrive so that they can conduct proper testing at the scene. - Get medical attention. If you believe you may be injured, tell police and paramedics on the scene so that they can make sure that you receive proper medical care. They may transport you to a hospital if necessary. Even if you do not believe you are injured it is still necessary to get a comprehensive medical assessment as soon as possible after the accident as motorcycle injuries can be highly devastating to the body, and can result in injuries such as internal bleeding, organ damage, and brain swelling, which may not be immediately apparent, but can be life threatening if left untreated. - Talk to a lawyer if you are injured. If you are injured, it is important to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. You will quickly begin receiving calls from insurance adjusters who can manipulate you into a lower settlement or even find ways to negate your claim to coverage if you do not know how to accurately navigate the situation.
*Schedule a Consultation with Pivotal Law Group* If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault in the Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Burien, Mercer Island, Issaquah, or greater Washington State area, the experienced personal injury lawyers at the Pivotal Law Group are ready to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.