All motor vehicle collisions are dangerous. But those involving motorcycles are especially hazardous.
When you or someone you love has been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is normal to feel overwhelmed and emotional. In the moments after a collision, most people are unsure about what actions to take. You may find yourself searching online for “What to do if I was hit by a motorcycle.”
When you have questions, Morgan & Morgan has answers. Below, we will discuss some of the most important steps to take in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident.
If you have been hit by a motorcycle, the severity of the crash will depend on whether you were in a vehicle. When a motorcycle hits your car or truck, you might only experience minor injuries.
However, if you are hit by a motorcycle while walking, the likelihood of severe injury is high. No matter the circumstances of your collision, you will probably think, “I need to know what to do if I was hit by a motorcycle.”
In the aftermath of a crash, it is vital to contact a reputable personal injury firm. The skilled legal professionals at Morgan & Morgan have decades of experience representing the victims of motorcycle accidents.
If you are harmed because of another person’s negligence, we will fight to recover the financial compensation that you are rightfully due. To schedule a free consultation, fill out the contact form on our website today.
What to Do if I Was Hit by a Motorcycle
Motorcycles are much smaller and lighter than standard passenger vehicles. Because of this, collisions between motorcycles and cars typically put the motorcyclist in more danger than the other driver.
However, drivers of passenger vehicles can still suffer catastrophic injuries in some cases. For instance, being hit by a motorcycle may result in whiplash or other spinal injuries. It could also cause your car to veer off the road, resulting in severe injuries and damage to your vehicle.
Still, pedestrians who are hit by motorcycles are at a much higher risk for severe injuries or death. If you frequently walk near roadways that see a lot of motorcycle traffic, you may find yourself thinking, “I need to know what to do if I was hit by a motorcycle.”
In the moments following your accident, make sure to take the following steps as soon as you can:
Check for Injuries
Your safety and the safety of those around you should be your first priority. Check yourself and others for the presence of injuries as soon as the accident takes place.
If you are severely injured, do not try to move. It is important to remain still and wait for medical professionals.
If another person is injured, contact the authorities immediately. Call 911 and ask them to dispatch medical responders. Wait at the scene until help arrives.
Remain at the Scene
This tip should be obvious: You should never leave the scene of a motorcycle accident until law enforcement officials have arrived at the scene.
In many cases, fleeing the scene of an accident is considered to be a crime. This can result in severe legal penalties — including significant fines.
Contact Law Enforcement
Once you have attended to any immediate injuries or medical needs, contact the police. The local police department will dispatch officers to draft a report of the accident.
A police report will typically contain the following information about your motorcycle accident:
- Time and date of the crash
- Location of the accident
- Current weather conditions
- Roadway conditions
- A detailed description of vehicular damage
- Statements from those involved
A police accident report can be critical in your effort to recover financial compensation after a motorcycle collision. When you think, “I need to know what to do if I was hit by a motorcycle,” make sure to understand the importance of a police accident report.
An attorney can use the police records of your motorcycle accident to build a powerful case in your favor. Make sure that you collect the reporting officers’ names and badge numbers. If your lawyer needs additional information from the police, this information will be critical.
Document the Accident
In the moments immediately following the accident, you should collect all of the information possible about your motorcycle collision. As time passes, it becomes more difficult to gather relevant evidence for your motorcycle accident case.
You should collect the following types of evidence and information if you have been hit by a motorcycle:
- Names and contact information of those involved
- Statements from any witnesses
- License plates, addresses, and phone numbers
- Insurance information for other drivers
- Photos of any injuries
- Photos of any vehicular or property damage
- Makes and models of all vehicles involved
It is also imperative to take notes about your own experience in the minutes after the crash. In the days that follow, it will become harder to accurately remember what happened.
Your attorney will use this valuable evidence to fight for financial compensation on your behalf. The more information you can gather in the moments after the crash, the better.
Keep Conversations to a Minimum
It may be tempting to speak with the other drivers after a collision. However, you should try to keep conversations brief and polite.
Oftentimes, emotions run high after a motor vehicle collision. Even if the other drivers seem angry or heated, do not respond emotionally.
Be polite and collect the necessary information from those involved. You should never discuss the crash at length with the other drivers.
When the police arrive, provide them with brief and factual statements for the accident report. Never speculate about who is to blame for the collision.
Even if you believe that you caused the accident, you may be wrong. Accepting fault for the crash will make it difficult to recover the financial compensation that you are due.
Alert Your Insurance Company
You should make your insurance company aware that you were involved in a crash. Provide your information to the insurance adjuster in a factual manner.
As with other conversations, you should never admit fault to your insurance agent. Still, contacting your insurer in the aftermath of a crash can help to secure a positive outcome in your motorcycle accident case.
Contact a Knowledgeable Motorcycle Accident Attorney
As soon as you have reported the accident to your insurance company, call a lawyer. It is critical to find a legal expert with plenty of experience representing those who have been hit by a motorcycle.
When you contact a reputable tort law firm, you may say, “I need to know what to do if I was hit by a motorcycle.” An experienced attorney will walk you through every step in the legal process.
Make sure to hire a law firm with a long track record of successfully representing motorcycle accident victims. A skilled attorney will build a strong case for you and pursue financial compensation for all of your losses.