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Motorcycle riding offers an unparalleled sense of freedom and excitement, but it also comes with its share of risks. In Wisconsin, 2,000 reported motorcycle crashes cause everything from minor injuries to fatalities.
However, many who are in a motorcycle accident are first-time victims who are unsure what to do next. So, we’ve broken down the steps to take after a motorcycle accident into three parts:
- Make the safe move: Exit danger and adhere to medical emergency staff.
- Begin documenting the event: Collect witness info and file a police report.
- Notify necessary parties: Let your insurance and your motorcycle accident lawyer know what happened.
1. Immediate Safety Comes First
From ensuring immediate safety to gathering evidence and navigating legal steps, we’ll walk you through what you should do after a motorcycle accident.
The following steps are what to focus on right away:
- Move to Safety: After an accident, get yourself—and your motorcycle, if possible—out of the road. Leaving yourself or your vehicle in the path of oncoming traffic could lead to further collisions and greater harm.
- Check for Injuries: Once you’re in a safer location, quickly assess your physical condition and that of any other parties involved. Some injuries might not show up right away because of adrenaline or shock. So, get medical help as soon as you can.
- Call Emergency Services: Call 911 immediately. Provide your location and describe the situation as clearly as you can to help emergency responders reach you faster. Remember, even if injuries appear minor, you need a formal medical evaluation for your health and any legal proceedings that may follow.
By keeping these immediate steps in mind, you can better navigate the aftermath of a motorcycle accident.
In the ensuing sections, we’ll delve into gathering evidence, legal procedures, and medical care to ensure you fully prepare for what comes next.
2. Documentation and Evidence Gathering
Once you ensure everyone’s immediate safety and call for emergency assistance, start gathering evidence. Even in this stressful situation, collecting the right information can go a long way in establishing the facts of the accident.
Photographs and Videos
Use your smartphone to take photographs or videos of:
- The accident scene
- Position of the vehicles
- Any visible injuries
- Road conditions
- Traffic signals and signs
This visual documentation can provide invaluable context when discussing the accident with insurance companies or an attorney.
Witness Statements
Eyewitness accounts can often provide perspectives that you may not have considered. If bystanders witnessed the accident, approach them calmly and ask if they would give a statement.
Record these interactions on your phone if possible, making sure to collect their contact information for follow-up.
Police Report
Once law enforcement arrives on the scene, they will usually compile an official accident report. Cooperate fully and provide all the necessary details.
This report can serve as a neutral third-party account of the accident, and you may need it for insurance and legal matters.
You can usually obtain a copy of the police report from your local police department or through their online portal, if available.
By collecting this evidence, you prepare for any future insurance claims or legal actions you might need. This document can explain what happened and who is responsible. It gives a solid base for your injury case.
3. Legal Steps to Take Following a Motorcycle Accident in Wisconsin
After you take immediate actions for safety and gather evidence, look ahead to the legal aspects of your situation. Here’s what you should know:
Insurance Notification
One of your first tasks is to notify your insurance company about the accident. You can do this with the help of a motorcycle accident attorney.
Most insurance policies have a timeframe within which you must report an accident to obtain coverage.
When you or your attorney calls, have your policy number and all the gathered evidence ready. If you decide to call on your own, the insurance company could use anything you say to limit your personal injury claim. Have your lawyer call for you.
Consult a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you face injuries, significant damages, or any complications, consult an attorney familiar with motorcycle accidents in Wisconsin.
An attorney can guide you through the complex legal landscape, explaining your options and what steps to take next.
For residents in Wisconsin, Pemberton Personal Injury Law Firm offers free consultations to help you navigate this challenging time.
Filing a Claim
Your attorney can file any necessary claims, whether against your own insurance company or a third party.
This will include gathering all required documents, such as medical records, police reports, and any other evidence you collected.
This lengthy process may involve negotiations, legal filings, and potentially, court appearances.
Taking these legal steps will not only provide you with the guidance you need but also ensure you take the right actions for any future proceedings.
While dealing with legalities is likely the last thing you want to think about after experiencing a traumatic event, it ensures you receive adequate support for all you endured.
Seeing a Doctor After a Motorcycle Accident
Don’t underestimate the importance of medical care after a motorcycle accident—not just for your health but for any legal actions you may take.
Even if you don’t think your injuries are severe, get checked out, since some injuries take time to manifest.
- Immediate Medical Care. Seek immediate medical evaluation. Adrenaline and shock can mask symptoms. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in your recovery journey.
- Follow-up Visits. Once the initial treatment ends, follow-up visits to your healthcare provider may need to monitor your condition. These may include additional treatments, tests, or referrals to specialists. Attend all scheduled appointments, as the insurer may use a failure to do so against you in legal proceedings.
- Documenting Medical Expenses. Carefully document every visit to a healthcare provider. Keep all receipts, prescriptions, and invoices. These records prove your medical expenses and you need them when making an insurance claim or pursuing a legal case.
By taking these medical steps, you not only care for your immediate well-being but also lay the groundwork for any future actions you may need to take, both legally and with your insurance.
What Happens if It Takes a Long Time to Recover?
Recovery from a motorcycle accident may require a long journey that extends well beyond the initial incident and its immediate aftermath. Here are some long-term aspects you may need to undergo:
Physical Therapy
You may need ongoing physical therapy to regain strength, mobility, and functionality. A physical therapist can provide you with targeted exercises and treatments that can significantly aid in your recovery.
Emotional and Psychological Support
Motorcycle accidents can greatly improve your mental health. Seek professional mental health support to help you cope with symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, or depression. Therapy and support groups can offer valuable emotional relief and coping strategies.
By paying attention to these long-term considerations, you not only speed up your recovery but also improve your overall quality of life after a traumatic event. It’s not just about getting back on your feet, but about regaining the quality of life you had before the accident.
