Being in a motorcycle accident is scary, and it can be stressful to try to figure out what to do next. Knowing the proper steps can help make things easier. A San Diego personal injury lawyer can help you move forward.
What Should You Do Right After a Motorcycle Accident?
The most important first step is to make sure you are okay. If necessary, you can move to a safer area out of traffic. If another person is involved, you can check on them and make sure they don’t need immediate help or as much help as you can offer. Then, you should call 91 and report the accident to get help on the scene.
If you are able to and feel good enough, you should take photos of the damage and the area around your motorcycle. Take photos of every angle and the exact position your motorcycle was in. Also, if another vehicle was involved, be sure to take photos of theirs as well. Take photos of any slight injuries. More serious injuries will be documented, so don’t worry about getting evidence for those just yet.
The next phase is to gather all of your evidence and contact a lawyer in California who can help you determine the best next steps.
Things to Avoid Right After Your Motorcycle Accident
After your motorcycle crash, it is just as important to know what you should avoid as much as what you should do. First, do not leave the scene of the accident unless you need to just move your physical body aside to get out of traffic. Staying in the same spot is ideal so you comply with California law.
As tempting as it may be, avoid apologizing. It is easy to apologize even when you know you did not hold the fault but do not say anything that could make it seem like you are admitting fault. For example, say someone was speeding and they caused the accident. If you said, “I did not see you,” this could be taken as admitting you were at fault.
Another major aspect to avoid is skipping going to the doctor. You could feel fine, but that same night, the day after, or even weeks later, you could end up with severe symptoms. It would be harder to prove the injury is from the accident if you wait too long.
Why You Should Have a Copy of the Police Report
The police report is an important piece of evidence after your accident. The report will reveal what happened specifically, witness statements, and any observations from the officer. Insurance companies and lawyers need this documentation to evaluate your claim and put your case together.
Having your own copy can help you be prepared. If you did not get it at the time of the accident, you can request it from the local police station that responded to your accident.
A California Accident Attorney Can Help You With What to Do Next
Contact The Law Office of Jared J. Drucker for guidance on what you should do next. The legalities of your situation can be challenging, but having the right support on your side can make all the difference. Contact us to get started with a consultation.