Immediately after the motorcycle accident, make sure you are safe from any danger or further injury. Next, call the police. Not only is this a requirement under the law, but it will also help to preserve evidence concerning the crash. Next, take pictures and videos of the scene. Your smartphone is a powerful tool for gathering evidence that can support your case later. Finally, be sure to seek out medical care. Even if you believe that you are unharmed, get confirmation from a medical professional.
Knowing what to do at the scene of a motorcycle accident can make your life easier in the coming days, weeks, and months. The information available at the scene may disappear in a matter of hours or minutes. You have the unique opportunity to build a powerful case against at-fault drivers in your claim for compensation.
Immediately Call the Police After a Motorcycle Accident
Once you know you are safe, calling the police is the first thing that any person should do after being involved in a motorcycle accident. First, it is a requirement under the law whenever a traffic accident results in property damage or a personal injury. Making this call can ensure that you meet your legal obligations.
Second, a call to the police can ensure that you receive emergency medical care. A dispatcher has the power to summon an ambulance to the scene of the crash, and a police officer can provide first aid.
Finally, police officers will produce a report concerning the incident. This report can be powerful evidence of another party being at fault for the crash, which is essential for a future insurance claim or lawsuit.
Take Pictures and Video at the Scene
A motorcycle accident is a unique moment in time. People involved in these crashes need to memorialize everything that they can about the incident. You will never have another chance to obtain evidence with such clarity and precision. Individuals involved in these crashes should take pictures and videos of:
- The resting positions of vehicles
- Any stop signs, traffic lights, or other traffic control devices
- The current weather and time of day
- Any construction or other road hazards
- Video statements of witnesses to the event
Since nearly every person has a cell phone capable of taking pictures and video these days, you should be able to gather this evidence if your health permits. Considering that other drivers may attempt to shift blame onto you following a crash using the concept of modified comparative negligence under Ohio Revised Code § 2315.33, it is essential to build a powerful case as soon as possible.
Seek Medical Care as Soon as Possible After a Motorcycle Crash
All people involved in motorcycle crashes should seek medical care. Even if you do not require a ride in an ambulance, you should visit an emergency room immediately after the incident.
Only a trained doctor can determine the extent of your injuries. Adrenaline after a crash can mask the severity of many injuries. In addition, the full extent of an incident may only become apparent in the days or weeks following the crash. As a result, it is recommended that all people involved in motorcycle accidents seek medical care immediately after leaving the scene of the crash.
Pursuing medical treatment can also help to bolster a claim for compensation. Demonstrating the extent of your losses is just as important a part of a lawsuit as showing that another party was responsible for the incident. Seeking medical care leaves no doubt as to the severity of an injury as well as the connection between the crash and the injuries. Finally, beginning medical care as soon as possible helps to move a case toward its conclusion. Considering that injured bikers have only two years from the date of the crash to demand compensation under Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10, obtaining evidence quickly is key to a successful case.
Taking a Few Simple Steps After a Motorcycle Crash Can Help Protect Your Future
After you have done what you can at the scene of a motorcycle accident to improve your chances of making a recovery, you might want to seek legal assistance. An attorney can use the police report of the accident as well as the photo and video evidence you collected to build a case to help you seek restitution. Your medical records following the crash can also provide solid evidence of the injuries you may have suffered.
The legal team at the Fitch Law Firm LLC wants to help you following your motorcycle accident. Reach out to us today at (614) 545-3930 for your free consultation.