What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
The number of motorcyclists killed in Colorado wrecks continues to rise. Moreover, motorcyclists are generally at a greater risk of injury or death in a crash than occupants of passenger vehicles. Therefore, if you or a loved one is knocked from your motorcycle or collides with another vehicle, it is crucial to protect yourself.
Motorcycle safety courses focus on helping you become a safer, more responsible motorcyclist. These courses and instructions can help you avoid some crashes, but they do not guarantee your safety from all negligent motorists on the road. It is equally important to know how to ride safely and what to do if someone else’s negligence harms you on the road.
Keep reading to learn about steps to consider taking immediately after a motorcycle crash:
1. Move to Safety, if Possible
Your immediate concern should be getting to a safe place where you can assess the situation. If you can do so safely and without causing injury to yourself, move to a nearby location out of the way of traffic. If this is not possible, try to make yourself as visible as possible with cones, flares, or other objects so drivers are alerted to your presence.
2. Contact 911
Next, report the crash to local authorities. If you were knocked off your ride, chances are you sustained some sort of injury. Law enforcement will make a crash report, and first responders can assess you for injuries.
3. Provide Information to Others
Officers who arrive to investigate the motorcycle crash will ask for your name, license, insurance, and other details. This general information will also be available to the other driver involved in your crash. Do not admit fault or assign blame; let officers, insurance adjusters, and attorneys do that later. Keep your statements factual and truthful.
For example, there is a difference between saying, “The other driver ran a red light” and saying, “I went through the intersection because my light was green.” The latter is a truthful and factual statement, whereas the former can be speculative because the traffic light could have been malfunctioning.
4. Take Photographs if Possible
Your physical health and safety are paramount, so you should get medical care as soon as possible if you are hurt. However, if you are able, take photographs of the scene, the damage to your bike, and any lights or signs that are present. This can be helpful later when pursuing a claim for damages. You might also consider wearing a helmet video cam as a regular practice.
5. Get Medical Assistance
While wearing a helmet and protective clothing can reduce your chance of sustaining a brain injury, back injury, or severe abrasions, there’s still a risk. It is critical that you seek medical care quickly to find out how severely you have been hurt and start receiving appropriate treatment. Your overall physical well-being can depend on starting care quickly.
Contact Our Denver Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Just as you need to consider your physical health and seek appropriate care, you can also look after your legal rights by talking with an experienced Denver motorcycle accident attorney at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers.
We can gather your police report, medical bills, and other documentation, help you file a claim for damages, and ensure you receive enough compensation to cover your expenses. We also offer free consultations, so call today to set one up and learn more about how we can help.
No motorcyclist wants to be the victim of a crash, but you cannot control how car and truck drivers act. Being prepared for an unexpected wreck will help ensure you are well cared for and have the best opportunity to fully recover physically, mentally, and financially.
For more information, please contact the Denver motorcycle accident lawyers at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation with a Denver personal injury lawyer.
We are located in Denver, CO, proudly serving all of Denver County.
Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers
1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120
Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706
