Motorcycle accidents are often devastating. Unlike drivers of passenger vehicles, motorcyclists have very little protection in a collision. This means that even relatively minor crashes can result in serious injuries, long-term consequences, and overwhelming medical bills. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, the steps you take immediately afterward can significantly affect your recovery, physically, financially, and legally.
1. Make Sure You’re Safe and Call 911
The first thing to do after a motorcycle accident is to ensure your safety and the safety of anyone else involved. Move out of traffic if you can, but do not leave the scene. Call 911 immediately to report the crash and request emergency medical assistance if anyone is injured.
Even if you feel okay, don’t skip this step. Many injuries, including head trauma, internal bleeding, and spinal damage, may not be immediately obvious. Having a police officer and emergency responders on the scene also ensures there’s an official report of the accident, which will be key for any legal or insurance claim.
2. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
After a motorcycle accident, adrenaline and shock can mask serious injuries. You might feel “fine” and want to go home to rest, but this can be a huge mistake. Seeking prompt medical attention not only protects your health but also creates a medical record that ties your injuries directly to the crash.
This documentation is essential if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim later. Insurance companies often try to deny or minimize claims by arguing that your injuries were not caused by the accident. Seeing a doctor right away helps your motorcycle attorney build a strong, defensible case on your behalf.
3. Document the Scene If You Can
If you are physically able, take photos or videos of the scene before it changes. This can include:
- Damage to your motorcycle
- Damage to other vehicles
- Road conditions
- Skid marks
- Traffic signals and signage
- Your injuries
- Weather conditions
Also, collect names and contact information from any witnesses. These details can fade quickly or be forgotten entirely, so it’s vital to gather as much as possible on the scene.
If you can’t do this yourself due to injuries, ask someone nearby to help. Your motorcycle accident attorney will use this evidence to reconstruct the crash and prove fault.
4. Do Not Admit Fault
It’s natural to feel emotional or overwhelmed after an accident. But avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault, even if you think you might have contributed to the accident. Statements like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see them” can be taken out of context and used against you later.
Let the police and your attorney handle the investigation. The cause of the accident may involve factors you’re not immediately aware of, such as distracted driving, mechanical failure, or road hazards.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company (But Be Careful What You Say)
Most insurance policies require you to report an accident promptly. Notify your insurer as soon as you can, but stick to the basic facts. Don’t guess, speculate, or admit fault. Don’t agree to give a recorded statement without speaking to a motorcycle accident attorney first.
Insurance adjusters may sound helpful, but they work for the insurance company, not for you. Their goal is to settle quickly and for as little money as possible. Having legal representation ensures you won’t be pressured into accepting a lowball offer or making statements that could jeopardize your claim.
6. Understand the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can be caused by many factors, some involving rider error, but many involving other drivers or dangerous road conditions. Some of the most common causes include:
- Cars turning left in front of motorcycles
- Distracted or inattentive drivers
- Following too closely
- Unsafe lane changes
- Road hazards such as potholes or debris
- Defective motorcycle parts
A skilled motorcycle attorney will dig into the specific circumstances of your crash and identify all possible liable parties. In many cases, more than one party may share responsibility, including municipalities, contractors, or vehicle manufacturers.
7. Common Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists often face serious and complex injuries. These might include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Road rash and skin infections
- Internal bleeding
- Facial injuries
- Amputations
These injuries often require months, or even years, of treatment and rehabilitation. A knowledgeable motorcycle attorney will work with medical experts to estimate long-term costs and ensure your claim accounts for everything you’ll need to recover.
8. Don’t Wait: Time Limits Apply
In most states, there are statutes of limitations for filing personal injury claims. In Illinois, for example, the general statute of limitations for motorcycle accidents is two years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions, such as when a government entity is involved, that can shorten that window significantly.
By contacting a motorcycle accident attorney immediately, you ensure you won’t miss important legal deadlines.
9. Motorcycle Accidents and Comparative Fault
Some accident victims worry they can’t recover compensation if they were partially at fault. But in many states, including Illinois, the law allows for comparative negligence. This means you can still recover damages as long as you were less than 51% at fault.
However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. So, if you’re found 20% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you’d receive $80,000.
An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help minimize your share of fault and fight for your maximum recovery.
Take Action Now to Protect Yourself
Motorcycle accidents can turn your life upside down. Medical bills, lost wages, long-term disability, and emotional trauma can all take a toll. But you don’t have to go through it alone – and you shouldn’t.
Need help now? Contact Fabbrini Law Group today to speak with a skilled motorcycle accident attorney who understands the urgency of your case. We offer free consultations and only get paid if we win your case. Call now and let us fight for you.