Steps To Take After a Motorcycle Accident In Dallas
The actions immediately following a motorcycle accident and later on can significantly influence a case. After a motorcycle accident, you should retain the services of a seasoned motorbike collision attorney. Reach out to learn about the steps to take after a motorcycle accident in Dallas.
Get to Safety
The first thing to do after a crash is to remove themselves from harm’s way by getting out of the roadway and out of traffic. Distance themselves from anything that may cause them additional harm, such as a vehicle that is leaking gasoline, a vehicle or structure that is on fire, damaged structures that could collapse, and roadside cliffs or drop-offs.
Check Themself And Others For Injuries
Immediately call 911 if they or anyone involved is hurt. Very few motorcyclists walk away from accidents without some kind of injury. And some of the most serious injuries are not readily identifiable. Therefore, they should seek medical attention, even if they do not think they are hurt at that moment because their adrenaline is pumping.
Less common injuries to the lower and upper extremities, injuries to the chest and abdomen from motorcycle crashes tend to be serious. This is due to the potential for organ damage and/or internal bleeding from blunt force impact to the midsection. Lower extremity injuries, though, are the most common type of motorcycle crash injuries. These often involve bone fractures and are usually not fatal if dealt with properly by medical professionals.
Remain Calm
Although it may be difficult to maintain a calm demeanor when they have just been involved in a motorcycle crash, it is important that they do not do or say anything that could make the situation worse in any way or indicate culpability. For example, do not argue with other parties involved in the accident. Do not assign blame for the accident. Do not physically engage others in a hostile manner, and do not intentionally inflict additional damage.
Contact Law Enforcement
In minor accidents and minimal property damages, they need to contact law enforcement for traffic control and record details of the accident, and determine whether legal action is required.
Remain at the Scene of the Accident
Do not leave the scene. It is important to remain at the side of the crash long enough to exchange relevant information with all parties involved and law enforcement officials. At a minimum, the injured party should have obtained property damage information in the form of photographs, as well as written descriptions. Also, insurance and contact information from all parties involved, including any witnesses. It is best to have identifying information from the vehicles involved, such as the year make and model.
Take Photos Of The Scene
After a collision, if possible, it is best to take photos of the scene. Get their camera out, take pictures of the scene and the damage to the vehicles involved so that the attorney will have evidence of the details of the crash. Do not do this if it is going to put them or others at risk of further injury or further property damage. Be sure to capture information about their surroundings, such as street signs or nearby buildings.
Get Information From Witnesses
If possible, those involved in the crash should get information from any witnesses that they can. This could include anything from a name to a written description of what they saw. If they end up in a legal dispute regarding the events of the crash, independent witness account of the incident could be very useful in arguing their case. Do not pressure witnesses, but if they are willing to make a statement to the police but do not want to be asked to testify in court or be harassed by insurance companies. It is important to get the names and numbers of the witnesses so their attorney can get in touch with them later.
Contacting Insurance To Report An Accident
Those involved in a motorcycle crash should contact their insurance company as soon as they are able to because they need to inform their insurance company, provide them with all the relevant information they collected at the scene, such as names of the parties involved, the make, model and year of all vehicles involved. And the names and contact information of any witnesses.
If the injured claimant is asked about any injuries or how the crash happened, say that they will furnish all the details at a later time. This will help make sure that they do not jeopardize their case.
What If They Do Not Have Insurance?
If they were not at fault for the crash, being uninsured does not necessarily mean that they will be unable to recover a sum. That is because the liable party and its insurance company are financially responsible for their damages regardless of their insurance coverage situation. The injured claimant’s attorney could pursue the responsible party and their insurance companies for all damages, including current, and future medical bills, bike repair or replacement, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain, and suffering, as well as punitive damages.
If both parties lack insurance, they will need to get compensation from the driver directly. This means filing a lawsuit against the negligent driver. More often than not, a person that does not have insurance generally is not financially well off in order for us to recover compensation. Depending upon the severity of the damages, the claimant’s lawyer will look into it if there is coverage to determine if going after the driver directly is a good option.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney As Possible
If you are injured after a motorcycle accident, you should seek medical attention first. Often, the injuries are not detected immediately. Following treatment, you should contact a motorcycle wreck attorney as soon as you are able. A seasoned attorney could help you make a claim for bodily injury related to a motorcycle wreck. There is no fee for a consultation, so it does not cost anything to reach out and have a conversation with us. Call today to learn more about the steps to take after a motorcycle accident in Dallas.