The New Year is a time for fresh starts, setting goals, and looking forward. If you are a motorcycle rider in California, the last thing you want is a crash to derail your plans. Unfortunately, accidents don't take a holiday. If you find yourself involved in a motorcycle accident during the New Year's season, knowing what to do immediately afterward is crucial for your health, your rights, and your peace of mind. Make sure you're prepared. Here is a step-by-step guide to navigating the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle crash.
Immediate Steps: Safety First
Your health and safety are the absolute priorities.
Move to Safety: If you can move and it is safe to do so, move yourself and your motorcycle out of the flow of traffic to prevent further incidents.
Assess Injuries: Check yourself and any others involved for injuries. Even if you feel okay, the adrenaline rush can mask pain. Do not remove your helmet unless absolutely necessary for breathing or if a medical professional instructs you to.
Call 911: Report the accident immediately. Even if it seems minor, a police report is vital for your insurance and potential legal claim. Request an ambulance if anyone is injured.
Documenting the Scene
The moments right after a crash are the most critical for collecting evidence. A successful claim is often built on solid documentation.
Gather Information: Collect the names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance information of all drivers involved. Get the contact information of any eyewitnesses, too.
Take Photos: Use your phone to take extensive photos of the scene. Capture the damage to your motorcycle, the other vehicle(s), skid marks, traffic signs, road conditions, and the general location from multiple angles.
Do Not Admit Fault: Be polite, but do not apologize, offer opinions on who was at fault, or give a recorded statement to any insurance company without speaking to an attorney first. Stick to the facts when speaking with the police.
Getting Medical Attention
This step cannot be overstated, especially for motorcyclists.
See a Doctor Immediately: Even if you decline the ambulance at the scene, go to an Urgent Care or Emergency Room right away. Many serious injuries, like concussions, internal bleeding, and whiplash, have delayed symptoms.
Follow Treatment Plans: Follow your doctor's orders precisely. Gaps in treatment or not following medical advice can be used by insurance companies to argue that your injuries were not serious or not caused by the accident.
Your Legal Rights in California
California law can be complex, especially in accidents involving serious injury common to motorcycle crashes. The new year is not the time to face this complexity alone. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can take on the stress of dealing with insurance companies while you focus on recovery. They ensure your rights are protected and you receive the maximum compensation you are due for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and property damage.
Focus on Your Recovery
While a motorcycle crash can be a terrible start to the new year, your focus must remain on your recovery and getting back on the road safely. We believe in our community's resilience. If you've been injured in a New Year's accident, don't try to navigate the complex legal system on your own. Reach out to a successful and dedicated team of advocates. The attorneys at Peters, Habib, McKenna, Juhl-Rhodes, Cardoza, & Hansen, LLP have the experience needed to protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at (530) 342-3593 for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.