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Motorcycles riders are among the most common motorists on the road to be involved in accidents due to their reduced visibility on the road, and those types of collisions have a tendency to be more fatal than with any other type of vehicle. They can happen in the blink of an eye, with even the most skilled and seasoned motorcycle rider. It is important for riders to understand the steps to take at the scene, should they be involved in such an accident.
• Remain calm. Assess the situation and make sure that everyone involved in the crash is safe. Before taking down any information, be sure to contact the police to report the accident and call 911 if anyone has been injured. Be sure to immediately take in your surroundings to note anything that may pose proximate danger, such as oncoming traffic, fire, and leaking hazardous material such as gasoline.
• Understand motorcycle injuries. When another motorcyclist is injured, be sure to leave the victim's helmet on and to keep them conscious until help arrives.
• Preserve evidence. If you are able, take photos of damage done to your motorcycle and to yourself. Also look for traffic signals and signs, skid marks and any other relevant surrounding factors that may be able to help prove fault and the liability of the other motorist. Always be sure to save receipts of repairs that you need to make to your motorcycle due to damage cone by the crash, as well as paperwork that shows medical expenses.
• Exchange information with the other motorist. Obtain the driver's name, address, date of birth, phone number, license number and expiration date and insurance company. Also be sure to record the make, model, VIN, year and license plate number of the other vehicle. If there are witnesses to the collision, identify them and get their information. Ask witnesses to supply a statement to the police either by waiting for the arrival of the officer or by writing down their recollection of the events that led to the accident.
• Contact your insurance provider. Notify your insurance company of the motorcycle accident and give them the relevant insurance information that you got from the other motorist. Exercise precaution when speaking with insurance adjustors. They will appear to be on your side, but their goal is to make money and save money therefore they can and will use anything you say against you.
• Contact an attorney. Do not give the insurance provider a recorded statement or detailed description of the event. The best thing to do is avoid speaking with claims adjustors altogether, and to allow your attorney to handle all conversations with the insurance companies. Most lawyers will offer a free consultation, can save you a deal of hassle and can get you more money from a claim or settlement.