Motorcycle accidents can be terrifying and confusing. Staying calm and knowing what steps to take immediately after a crash is essential. Knowing what to do at the scene of an accident can help protect your safety, preserve your rights, and improve your chances of recovering compensation for injuries. In this article, we’ll explain the essential steps you should take at the scene of a motorcycle accident in Georgia.
Move to a Safe Location
After a motorcycle accident, your first priority is to ensure your safety. If you can move and the situation allows, try to get out of the traffic flow. Move to the side of the road, away from oncoming vehicles, to prevent further accidents.
Stay Visible
If you can, turn on your motorcycle’s hazard lights or use reflective items to make yourself visible to other drivers. If you are too injured to move, stay and try to signal for help.
Check for Injuries
Once you’re in a safe location, assess yourself for injuries. Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, it’s essential to recognize that injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal damage can take time to show up. Seek medical attention immediately after the accident, even if you feel okay.
Dial 911
It is crucial to call 911 right after a motorcycle accident. Emergency responders will arrive quickly to assess injuries, provide medical help, and report the accident to the authorities. Be sure to tell the dispatcher the exact location of the crash and any injuries you or others may have sustained.
Wait for the Police to Arrive
When the police arrive at the scene, they will document the accident and create a report. This police report will be necessary for insurance claims and any legal action that might follow. Avoid admitting fault or discussing blame at this stage—provide the essential facts about what happened.
Exchange Information With Others Involved
It’s essential to get everyone involved in the accident’s contact details. This includes the other driver(s), passengers, and witnesses.
Make sure to collect the following:
- Name, address, and phone number of the other driver(s)
- Driver’s license number and license plate number
- Insurance information
- Make, model, and color of the vehicles
This information will help you file insurance claims and could be critical to your personal injury case.
Document the Scene
Take pictures of the accident scene from all angles. Include shots of the vehicles, any visible damage, tire marks, road conditions, and weather conditions. Photographs are essential for proving liability in your case. Write down any details about the crash that might be important. Note the time, date, and location of the accident and any contributing factors, such as weather conditions or road hazards.
Seek Medical Attention
Many people involved in motorcycle accidents feel fine immediately after the crash but later experience pain. Injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, or neck damage may not show up right away. Always visit a doctor as soon as possible for a thorough check-up.
Keep all medical records, prescriptions, and bills related to your injuries. This documentation will be essential to file a personal injury claim.
Do Not Admit Fault
At the scene of the accident, be careful not to admit fault, even if you think you might have made a mistake. In many cases, it can be challenging to determine precisely who is at fault, and admitting fault too early can harm your ability to recover compensation later. Provide the accident facts to the police and let the investigation determine fault.
Be Cautious With Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies may try to get you to make statements or settle before you fully understand the impact of your injuries. Be cautious when talking to insurance adjusters, and consult a lawyer before agreeing to anything.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers in Savannah for Help Today
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you every step of the way. Don’t wait—contact a motorcycle accident lawyer to protect your rights and start the path to recovery.
For more information, please contact our experienced Savannah personal injury lawyer at Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have a convenient location in Savannah, GA.
We proudly serve Chatham County, Georgia, and its surrounding areas.
Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers
308 Commercial Drive, Suite 100, Savannah, GA 31406
(912) 335-1909
Open 24/7