If you’re riding on a motorcycle as a passenger and you get into an accident, it can be a frightening experience. How you handle your accident after it has occurred can seriously impact whether you receive fair compensation. Take the steps below as soon as possible to preserve your chances of getting the settlement you deserve.
1. Get Off the Road if You Can
When a motorcycle accident occurs, it is vital to get off the road as soon as possible to avoid further injuries to you and the driver. If you can safely move the bike out of traffic after an accident, do so immediately.
Otherwise, remain with the motorcycle until help arrives or until it is safe for you to get off the road. This is especially important if you have been injured and need medical attention. Call 911 and let the emergency medical services know ‌you were involved in an accident with a motor vehicle.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Check yourself, the motorcycle driver, and others involved in the accident for injuries. No matter how minor the injuries are, ‌you need to get medical attention as soon as possible if anyone is hurt. Concussion symptoms, such as memory loss and poor balance, may not show up for days or weeks after an accident due to shock.
If you seek medical attention immediately, you can avoid undiagnosed serious injuries. A medical evaluation can provide documentation of your injuries that will be useful if you decide to seek compensation. Keep track of all hospital visits, treatments, and test results related to the accident.
3. File a Police Report
A police officer will arrive at the scene and complete an accident report. Police are essential in documenting the incident, speaking with witnesses, and obtaining statements from all parties involved.
When the officer speaks to you, ensure you state the details of the accident. Do not speculate about who is at fault. Admission of responsibility can be used against you by the insurance companies not to give you full compensation for your injuries, so stick to the facts and don’t say more than necessary.
The officer concludes their investigation by creating a report of what happened in the accident. Ask the police officer where you can pick up the final police report to use to file an insurance claim.
4. Document the Scene of the Crash
Photographs and videos are extremely helpful in documenting an accident scene. If your surroundings are safe enough, and you are physically able to do so, take photos and videos of the accident scene. Your photos and videos should also include your motorcycle, other vehicles involved, the road condition, traffic lights, and the surrounding area. This will give you a better understanding of what happened and help your attorney determine liability.
5. Keep an Account of Your Injuries
If you can’t document the accident scene, document your recovery from your injuries. These photos and videos are essential to show the extent of your injuries and how long it took you to heal.
Keep other records related to your injuries, such as out-of-pocket medical expenses and pay stubs from before the accident. You can also write a journal of the pain and suffering you felt after the accident. This journal is helpful when discussing the accident with your lawyer and building your claim.
6. Speak to a Lawyer
Reach out to a lawyer as soon as you can after your accident. A lawyer can advise you on what steps to take to protect your rights after an injury-causing collision. They can also assess the amount of compensation you may receive for your medical costs and pain and suffering damages.
The South Carolina motorcycle accident lawyers at the Joye Law Firm can help you hold the driver liable for your injuries if they violated traffic laws while you were riding on their motorcycle. These types of cases may be complex since you may have been riding with a family member or a friend. Usually, their insurance company covers the damages, enabling you to receive compensation without harming your relationship.
Call Our Experienced South Carolina Motorcycle Crash Attorneys
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident as a passenger, reach out to a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer at the Joye Law Firm. We can help you get the maximum compensation you need to help you recover from your injuries.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation and learn the legal steps you need to take to get a fair settlement.
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