Motorcycle accidents can be devastating, and with all the adrenaline pumping after an incident, it’s crucial to know what steps to take. Protecting your health and your rights is essential in this situation. Below are a few tips from a motorcycle accident attorney in West Jordan, UT on what to do immediately after an accident.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident?
1. Call 911
Always call the authorities right away. If no one is hurt, there’s no visible damage to any vehicles, and you’re not obstructing traffic, you could call the local police on their non-emergency line. However, this is rare with motorcycle accidents, as motorcycles offer little protection to riders and cars are significantly larger. Therefore, 911 is usually the appropriate number to dial.
2. Make Sure Everyone’s Safe & Get Medical Care
Once you’ve called 911, the next step is ensuring everyone’s safety. If someone is seriously injured, avoid moving them unless it’s absolutely necessary, such as if a vehicle is on fire and they need to be moved away from it. Remember, moving an injured person without proper care can worsen their injuries.
If you’re injured, go straight to the hospital. Don’t worry about gathering evidence at that moment. You can call your lawyer once you’re feeling up to it, and they can begin investigating the accident and collecting evidence on your behalf. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured and decide to wait for the police, make sure to get checked out afterward. If any injuries arise later, you will need medical records to prove they’re connected to the accident. These records will be critical for your claim.
3. Exchange Information & Gather Evidence
If you’re not too injured to do so, exchange essential information with the other driver. This includes names, contact details, vehicle registration information, and insurance details. If you’re well enough, try to gather evidence while everything is fresh. Take photos of the accident scene from multiple angles, including close-ups and panoramic shots. Note if there are any cameras in the area that may have captured the accident, and be sure to get the contact information of any witnesses.
4. Call a West Jordan, UT Motorcycle Accident Attorney
As soon as you’re able, contact a motorcycle accident attorney in West Jordan, Utah. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer knows the challenges you face as a motorcyclist, and will fight on your behalf against insurance companies and any unfair accusations. Your lawyer can negotiate for you, protect you from signing settlements that aren’t in your best interest, and, if necessary, take your claim to court.
If you’ve been in an accident, call Nelson Jones in West Jordan, UT, now at 385-275-6812 for a consultation.
