What To Do After A Motorcycle Accident in Atlanta?
Being in a motorcycle accident can be scary and overwhelming. But while your primary focus should be on seeking medical attention, there are also key steps to take afterward to protect yourself legally and financially. The motorcycle accident lawyers at Spaulding Injury Law: Atlanta Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers recommend following these steps after a collision.
Steps To Follow After An Atlanta Motorcycle Accident
- Get medical assistance – Your health comes first. Call 911 and try not to move until the emergency personnel arrive. Even if you don’t feel hurt, see a doctor to rule out injuries. Adrenaline can mask serious issues.
- Call the police – it doesn’t matter whether you’ve been involved in a major crash or a fender-bender; file an official report for insurance and legal purposes. Review it later to ensure accuracy. The responding officer will document the accident scene and complete an accident report. Sometimes, the officers may not come, especially if the accident occurred on private property. If they don’t, you should go to the police station yourself and file a report. The insurance company will request a copy of the police report when filing your claim.
- Document the scene – Take photos of vehicle positions, damage to your bike, debris, skid marks, weather conditions, and the number plate of the other vehicle. These help determine fault later. You’ll also need to identify the officer with their name and badge number.
- Exchange information – Get names, plate numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details from other parties involved. Write down the type, color, and model of the vehicle or vehicles involved in the accident and the location of the accident. Also, please provide them with your info.
- Talk to witnesses – any witnesses to the accident will help support your claim. Request their name and contact information.
- Insurance report – Notify your insurer promptly about the accident. File claims usually have time limits, so don’t wait to do it later. Your insurer will tell you the information they need to process your claim. They’ll also arrange for the towing of your vehicle with a certified body shop.
- Seek legal help – Consult with a motorcycle accident attorney to protect your rights. They handle communications, claims, and negotiations to make the process so much easier for you.
- Preserve evidence – Keep all documentation related to the accident together. Police reports, medical records, photos, and other evidence is presented during your legal case.
- Avoid discussing fault – What you say about the accident can come back to haunt you. Wait for professional guidance before accepting blame. Bike accident lawyers recommend not discussing fault with the other driver. The adjuster reviewing your claim is the one who will determine fault after reviewing the police report and other documentation such as photos, your claim, and the inspection of the damaged auto or property.
Contact Atlanta Car Wreck Lawyer Today
Following these steps helps ensure you receive proper medical care, protects your legal rights, and provides documentation to get compensation for damages through insurance settlements or personal injury claims. Contact our Law Firm to speak with experienced motorcycle accident lawyers if you have been in a car crash.
When you become our client at Spaulding Injury Law, you’ll be represented by a thoroughly experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney like Theodore A. Spaulding. For over 15 years, Mr. Spaulding has helped victims of negligence across the state of Georgia resolve personal injury cases, and he’s received a remarkable number of awards and honors from the legal community recognizing his commitment to clients and to the metro-Atlanta area.
Mr. Spaulding has been named one of the Top 100 trial lawyers in Georgia by the National Trial Lawyers for six successive years.
He is honored as a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum ® by the Top Trial Lawyers in America ®.
Charter Member of the Distinguished Justice Advocates.
Member of the Atlanta Bar Association.