What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident Injury

Motorcycle accidents can quickly become catastrophic disasters that inflict serious and life-threatening injuries on those involved. A motorcycle rider and his or her passengers are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries in traffic accidents. If you sustain a motorcycle accident injury in Los Angeles, it’s important to know what steps to take next to protect yourself.

Put Your Safety First – Get Immediate Medical Care

If your motorcycle is disabled, move it to the side of the road and away from oncoming traffic, if possible. Check yourself for injuries, keeping in mind that even serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries can have delayed or hidden symptoms. 

Concussions and other brain injuries are common in motorcycling accidents, and can cause symptoms such as loss of consciousness, a persistent headache, blurred vision, nausea or vomiting, insomnia, and fatigue. If you notice signs of any type of injury, seek medical attention right away.

Go to the nearest hospital for a checkup or request an ambulance when you call 911 to report the wreck. Never delay seeking medical care, as this can be dangerous for your health. It can also signal to an insurance company that you failed to mitigate your damages (losses), which can give the insurer a reason to deny your claim or diminish your settlement.

Report the Motorcycle Accident to the Police

Under California law, you are required to report any motorcycle or car accident that results in injuries, deaths or more than $750 in property damage. Call 911 from the scene of the motorcycle accident to notify law enforcement. A local officer should visit the scene to investigate, collect statements and write up a report. You can obtain a copy of this report later by contacting the local precinct.

Document the Scene

Before you leave the scene of the motorcycle wreck, do what you can to collect information and evidence. This includes:

• The other driver’s name and contact information
• The driver’s insurance information and a vehicle description
• Photos and videos of the scene
• Surveillance or traffic camera footage
• Eyewitness names and contact information
• Your police report number

Document your injuries, as well. Keep copies of your related medical records, take pictures of your injuries as they heal and consider keeping a daily injury journal of how you’re feeling.

Don’t Accidentally Hurt Your Claim

When you call the at-fault driver’s auto insurance provider to file an accident claim, be careful not to admit fault. Keep details to a minimum when answering questions about the crash and your injuries. Do not agree to give the insurance claims adjuster a recorded statement over the phone; you are not required to do so, and it could hurt your case.

Avoid posting on social media until your motorcycle accident case is over. Insurance companies often peruse the online activity of claimants to look for evidence against them, such as photos or proof that their injuries are not as severe as reported. Do not accept a quick settlement offer. Instead, contact an attorney for motorcycle accident claims in Los Angeles for legal advice and guidance.

Consult With an Experienced Lawyer Near You

An experienced Los Angeles attorney handling personal injury lawsuits can represent you and protect your best interests during settlement negotiations with an insurance provider. If necessary, your lawyer can engage in litigation and take your motorcycle injury case to court in the pursuit of justice. Your lawyer can handle tasks such as accident investigation and evidence collection while you concentrate on what’s most important: your recovery. If you’ve recently suffered a motorcycle accident injury in California, contact Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP for a free consultation about your situation. Our lawyers can guide you through this difficult time with personalized legal advice.