The immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be chaotic and overwhelming. However, taking a few key actions can protect your health and your legal rights. Should you choose to pursue a personal injury claim in Maryland, your actions in the hours and days following the crash may impact the outcome of your case.
Trollinger Law LLC helps accident victims seek compensation in accidents caused by othersā negligence. Protect your potential recovery by learning what steps to take after a motorcycle accident below.
Check for Injuries and Call 911
Your health and safety come before everything else. After a motorcycle crash, check yourself and others for any injuries. Move to a safe location away from traffic if possible. Once you’re safe, call 911 immediately, regardless of how minor the accident appears to be. This step will create an official accident report, which can be crucial when pursuing your motorcycle accident claim.
Document the Accident Scene
If you do not appear seriously injured, take photos and videos of the accident scene. Capture the following:
- Damage to your motorcycle, other vehicles, and the surrounding area
- Vehicle positions
- Skid marks and accident debris
- Road and weather conditions
- Traffic signs and signals
- Visible injuries
You should also gather the names, contact details, driver’s license and plate numbers, and insurance details of all involved parties. If there were any witnesses, collect their names and contact information.
Seek Medical Attention
Just because you feel OK after a motorcycle accident doesnāt mean you are OK. You may not be able to identify your injuries until after the adrenaline has worn off, and soft-tissue damage like whiplash often may not show symptoms for hours or even days after the accident. Protect your health and create vital evidence for your personal injury claim by seeing a doctor as soon as possible.
Notify Your Insurance Company (But Do Not Admit Fault)
Your insurance policy likely requires you to report the accident within a reasonable timeframe. However, you must be extremely cautious when speaking with your insurer. Offer only basic facts: time, location, vehicles involved, and the names of all drivers. Do NOT admit fault or discuss your injuries. You likely don’t have the information necessary to make an accurate fault assessment, and your words could be used against you when you seek compensation for your injuries.
You should also never provide recorded statements or accept any quick settlements before seeking legal advice. It’s an insurance adjuster’s job to minimize your payout, and that’s their main goal whenever speaking with you. Call a motorcycle accident attorney first.
Contact a Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The outcome of your motorcycle accident case can provide crucial compensation to help with medical expenses, lost wages, and other accident-related losses. However, itās easy to make unintentional errors that could jeopardize your right to fair compensation without guidance from a skilled lawyer. An experienced motorcycle lawyer can protect your rights, handle communications with insurance companies, and build a compelling case for maximum compensation.
The team at Trollinger Law LLC is dedicated to seeking justice on behalf of injured people throughout Southern Maryland. Let us help you, too. Contact us today for your free consultation.
