What Should I Do at the Scene of a Motorcycle Accident?

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, what you do at the accident scene can make a significant difference in your claim and its outcome. Unless your injuries prevent you from doing so, call the police and exchange information with the other involved driver. At the scene of your motorcycle accident, you should also attempt to obtain any contact information from witnesses who came forward and take photos of the scene, your injuries, and the vehicles.

Since it is never too soon to get a California motorcycle accident lawyer on your side, you could also contact a local law firm right from the accident scene. Hiring a lawyer means you can focus on your recovery without jeopardizing your injury claim. Most personal injury law firms will provide a free claim review so that you can explore your financial recovery options.

Get Emergency Medical Care at the Scene of a Motorcycle Accident if Needed

Motorcycle riders and passengers can sustain severe to catastrophic injuries in a collision, making prompt medical care critical. Call police and emergency medical personnel to the accident scene if anyone (accident victims or bystanders) is in need of medical treatment.

Failure to get immediate medical care could result in worsening injuries. It could also compromise your injury claim. Your medical records and bills will be requested by the at-fault party’s insurance company and used by your legal team to prove the severity and cost of your treatment protocol.

Avoid moving your motorcycle until police have seen, photographed, and videotaped the scene. Doing so could compromise the accident scene and your injury and property damage claim.

Insist on Calling Local Police to the Scene and Filing an Official Report

You should always file a police report after an accident, even a seemingly mild one. Filing a police report is mandatory after an accident that causes serious injuries or significant property damage.

Call the police even if the other involved driver offers to pay for your damage. Here is why:

• It captures details about the accident that you might overlook in the panic of the moment
• Both insurance companies will request an official police report when filing a claim
• It documents the accident scene and details to avoid misconstruing facts

Obtain a copy of your police report as soon as it is available. If you are represented by a lawyer, they will request it for you.

Exchange Necessary Information With the Other Involved Driver

You and the other driver should exchange names, licenses, and insurance company details at the accident scene. Avoid sharing any other information or saying anything that might later be misconstrued as accepting fault or blame.

Do not post photos or comments about the accident on your social media channels, argue with the other driver at the scene or later, or say or sign anything at their insurance company’s request. Instead, allow your attorney to handle all communication related to your case, including:

• Emails
• Phone calls
• Letters
• Text messages

Letting your lawyer speak for you could protect your rights and your best interests. It can also avoid miscommunication that might hinder your claim.

Collect as Much Evidence as Possible at the Scene of Your Motorcycle Accident

If your injuries permit, collect as much evidence as you can at the accident scene. Avoid overtaxing yourself. Your legal team can collect and document some evidence right at the scene and collect additional evidence at a later date.

Your comprehensive evidence collection will include:

• Medical records and bills
• Photos and video footage
• Motorcycle accident report
• Eyewitness statements
• Expert testimonials
• Salary history records
• Vehicle inspection reports
• Accident reconstruction

Obtain all the evidence you can and allow your personal injury lawyer to compile and present your case file to the at-fault driver and their insurer.

Get Contact Information From Any Eyewitnesses Who Came Forward

Witnesses provide impartial recollections about the accident scene from various points of view. If any witnesses came forward, they could provide:

• Smartphone footage
• Detailed descriptions
• Supportive information

Ask witnesses for their names and phone numbers, if possible. Your personal injury attorney can use this information to contact and interview witnesses while their memories are vivid.

Start Tracking Your Motorcycle Accident Expenses Right at the Scene

Motorcycle accident expenses start adding up right at the accident scene. Immediate expenses and losses can include:

• Motorcycle damage
• Towing or impound fees
• Emergency medical care
• Ambulance fees

Your costs will continue to accumulate after the accident, so keep track of them. You should also get, and keep getting, all the medical care your injuries require. These costs are recoverable as part of your injury claim.

Additional economic and non-economic compensation for a motorcycle accident include:

• Past and future medical bills
• Treatment-related travel
• Past and future lost wages
• Loss of future earning ability
• Property damage or destruction
• Diminished property value
• Disabling or disfiguring injuries
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental and emotional anguish
• Wrongful death damages, if applicable

Bills, invoices, and estimates will document the value of these damages. Including them in your compensation request can help you maximize your financial recovery.

Meeting California’s Filing Deadline Requires Swift Action

California limits the amount of time you have to file your personal injury lawsuit. In general, you have two years to file your lawsuit, according to CCP § 335.1. If the statute of limitations expires, your lawsuit—and financial recovery—could be in jeopardy.

You could also call a motorcycle accident lawyer right from the accident scene since it is never too early to do so. If you do, they can take immediate action to help you meet the applicable filing deadline.

Call for Immediate Help With Your Motorcycle Accident Claim

What you do at an accident scene matters for your injury claim. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, we can help you build a strong case for financial compensation.

Find out what you should do at the scene of a motorcycle accident to strengthen and support your compensation request. Contact our consultation team at Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers to get started now.