What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Being in a motorcycle accident can be traumatizing. The high speeds at which motorcycles can go, along with the potentially catastrophic motor vehicles they may come into contact with, is often a recipe for disaster when a crash or collision occurs. Motorcycle accidents in San Francisco may be especially dangerous with its narrow roadways and bridges, as well as frequent construction and unkempt roads.

If you do find yourself in a motorcycle accident, there are important steps to follow after the incident. We’ve outlined six steps that you should take after getting into a motorcycle accident, whether you experience a hit-and-run situation or there are numerous victims and offenders.

1. Take care of any injuries – First and foremost, always make sure that everyone involved is injury-free. If you or another person involved requires medical attention, call 911 immediately. Safety is most important following any accident – motorcycle or any other type of accident – and should always be handled before anything else.
2. Document the scene – Once everyone is safe and/or has medical attention on the way, take photos of the scene. Try to get as many angles as possible so that there are no questions about the damages that occurred to the vehicles and/or motorcycles involved. If no one has a camera available, try to write down where each vehicle and/or motorcycle is damaged. Be as descriptive as possible.
3. Move motorcycles and/or vehicles to safety – After you have taken photos or documented the scene of the accident, move all parties involved to a safer location. For example, if the accident occurred in the middle of the highway, move off to a median, shoulder or emergency stopping lane. This will help in making sure that no additional accidents or injuries occur.
4. Contact the police – Even if the other parties insist on handling the accident independently, call the police. Having a police report will help by having the accident on record and may help your case if you choose to file a claim.
5. Exchange information – California motorcycle law requires the exchange of rider information after a crash. Once everyone is in a safe location, exchange contact information. Be sure to take down their name, best way to contact them and their insurance policy. Taking photos of their insurance card will help as well, providing proof of insurance. If there are any witnesses present, try and take down their contact information as well.
6. Log the accident – Whether by using a voice recorder or writing it down on paper or your phone, recount the accident as it occurred to you. As days pass, or as injuries increase, recalling the exact order in which incidents occurred may begin to blur. This may help reassure yourself of the cause of accident and will help you feel certain in your statement in court, if it comes to that.

No matter how minor or severe a motorcycle accident may be, safety should always come first. Be sure to ask all parties involved, including yourself, if they need medical attention. If anyone hit their head during the accident it is best to call for help, regardless of whether they think it needs to be checked out or not. Notice in the days following the accident if any injuries worsen, or if new injuries arise. Often people will feel fine at the scene of the accident, only to find themselves achy or unable to move in the days that follow.

San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at the Anna Dubrovsky Law Group, Inc.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in the Bay Area, contact the Anna Dubrovsky Law Group today. They will fight your case with integrity and tenacity until the very last moment. For the best representation in San Francisco, call our office today at (415) 746-1477 or toll-free at (800) 440-6313 or by emailing us using the contact form.