As a biker, the last thing you want to happen is being in an accident. Sadly, there are times when this is unavoidable. If you’re the victim of a motorcycle accident, find out what steps you need to take to reduce injury and avoid more danger.
All too often, accident victims will tell their Denver personal injury attorney they regret not knowing what to do at the collision scene and afterward. In this article, we’re taking a closer look at the most important things you should do after a Colorado motorcycle accident. We also briefly review the most common causes of motorcycle accidents and offer tips to help you avoid these crashes in the first place.
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What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Colorado
Following a motorcycle accident, it’s natural to be shaken and confused, but it’s important to know the steps you should take in the aftermath of an accident. Knowing what to do after a crash, like getting medical attention and stating every injury, filing a police report, and calling on an experienced Denver motorcycle accident attorney, can ensure your rights are protected. Additionally, if you pursue a Colorado motorcycle accident claim, taking these steps can dramatically increase your chances of receiving the financial compensation you deserve.
Check Yourself and Others Involved for Injuries
The very first thing you must do is check yourself and other involved motorists to ensure no one has any injuries. This action is vital to perform as it can be a sign that something is internally wrong. If you discover you’re hurt, you must stay still while waiting for the ambulance.
After self-assessment, you should report if anyone else has been injured in the accident. Common motorcycle injuries include:
- Nerve damage
- Road burn
- Leg injury
- Head injury
- Muscle damage
If you’re injured, it’s best to get an examination to ensure nothing serious is overlooked or missed.
Seek medical treatment right after a motorcycle collision in Denver, CO for any symptoms you’re having, whether they are little or major. Injuries that may appear minor can develop into significant ones, creating life-long physical pain and perhaps disabling you from enjoying a normal life.
These sorts of injuries are known as “delayed injuries”, and they must be documented right away to verify they were due to the crash and not some other situation. Translation: time is of the essence. The faster you get the proper medical care, the faster you can start the recovery process back to good health.
Get to Safety
One of the chief priorities after a motorcycle collision is to make sure everyone involved is safe. If you can, move to a secure space away from traffic to avoid more personal injury and damage. You shouldn’t move your motorcycle unless it is really necessary. It is part of the crime/accident scene.
Once you’ve evaluated your condition, check on others and call the police if there is any substantial property damage or injuries. Remember to keep a cool head. Your actions and words can be used against you when it comes to future legal matters.
Call 911
You need to call the police for them to complete an accident report and record the details of the scene. Whether the motorcycle accident was serious or not, it is crucial to notify law enforcement. When the police arrive, ask for their names, badge numbers, and how to get a copy of the accident report.
Document the Scene
When you contact the police to report the collision, make sure that a detailed police report is filed. The accident report could serve as a critical piece of evidence in proving the condition of the accident scene. While waiting for the police, document the scene by taking pictures of the road conditions, street signs, and the vehicles involved. Additionally, get contact information from any witnesses which is vital for filing insurance claims and potential legal action.
Exchange Information
Exchange insurance and contact information with the other parties involved in the accident. Make sure to get:
- Names
- License plate numbers
- Addresses
- Phone numbers
- Insurance policy information
Gather Evidence of the Motorcycle Accident
In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, gathering evidence is a step that must never be disregarded. Accident scenes need to be cleaned up rapidly, so gathering evidence is vital to verify how the motorcycle accident took place and determine the negligence that caused it. Be sure to gather evidence of:
- Your motorcycle and any damage
- Any damage to signs and structures
- Your injuries
- the other vehicle or any other vehicles affected by the accident
- Weather conditions
- Nearby landmarks
- Traffic patterns
- Road conditions
Once law enforcement arrives, the officers will talk to you and the motorist of the other vehicle. While it is critical to answer their questions honestly, don’t admit fault for the accident, including saying “I’m sorry.”
Furthermore, information given by witnesses can be beneficial in learning what caused the accident and help corroborate your account of events. This is particularly significant when the other driver’s version of the accident differs from yours. If any eyewitnesses are present, you can ask for their account of what they saw and their contact information. Your lawyer might need to talk to them afterward.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Immediately notify your insurance company of the motorcycle accident. Give your insurance carrier detailed, correct information about the collision. Be cautious not to make any recorded statements that could be misinterpreted or used against you in the future.
Call An Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney
You should make another very important call after calling your insurance provider to notify them about the crash. Call an experienced Denver motorcycle accident attorney who can help you understand your cases and assess your legal options. While you should cooperate with your insurance company’s investigation, you also need to be aware of your rights. If you aren’t sure of all your rights as a motorcycle accident victim, reach out to a personal injury lawyer in Denver to assist you.
Prepare for a Car Accident Claim
In addition to taking pictures of your physical injuries, keep a detailed journal of any pain you’re having and how your injuries are impacting your everyday living. This includes:
- Your inability to do daily tasks
- Your inability to enjoy doing the activities that bring you pleasure
- Your inability to work
This information will help your Denver motorcycle accident attorney decide the correct compensation for damages in your case.
What are the Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents happen every single day in the United States. Compared to a “fender bender” between two motor vehicles, accidents between a motorcycle and a motor vehicle have a higher chance for significant injuries or even loss of life. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), roughly 84,000 motorcyclists were injured in motorcycle accidents in 2019 alone.
While no two accidents are completely alike, there are many common causes of motorcycle accidents. By identifying the most common causes, we can then work to better inform both motorists and motorcyclists to keep our highways and roads safer for everyone.
Some of the most common causes of accidents with motorcycles include:
- Unsafe lane changes: always provide ample warning before making a lane change. It’s more challenging for drivers to see motorcycles as they’re changing lanes, especially if it’s a sudden or abrupt shift. Accidents may also occur when motorcyclists ride between lanes. This maneuver is known as “lane splitting.”
- Speeding: driving above the posted speed limit makes it much more difficult to slow down or come to a complete stop. Speeding also makes it more difficult to respond safely to changing road conditions.
- Driving under the influence: even just one alcoholic beverage can impair your ability to safely operate a motorcycle. Alcohol or drugs can slow your reaction time and impair your motor skills and critical thinking ability.
- Sudden stops: sudden stops are hazardous for motorcycle riders, which is why a motorcyclist should never closely tailgate a motor vehicle. Data show that rear-end collisions account for a large portion of motorcycle accidents.
- Dangerous road conditions: while it’s not always possible, adverse weather or poor road conditions should always be avoided. Adverse weather, such as snow, rain, or high winds can make it very challenging to safely operate a motorcycle. It’s wise to check the weather before heading out on the road. Poor road conditions, such as construction or a lack of maintenance, can also lead to motorcycle accidents.
Tips to Help You Prevent Motorcycle Accidents
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s critical to know what to do next. But of course, the best case scenario is never to be involved in a motorcycle crash in the first place. It’s the responsibility of both motorcyclists and motorists to practice safe driving habits to reduce the risk of an accident.
To reduce the chance of being in a motorcycle accident, here are some tips to help you stay safer when out on the road:
- Always keep your full attention on the road.
- Never assume that a driver sees you, especially at an intersection.
- Be extra cautious when approaching intersections and lights.
- Never try lane splitting between two vehicles or lanes.
- Always obey posted speed limits and traffic signals.
- Never operate your motorcycle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Wear reflective clothing—especially if you ride at night.
- If possible, avoid poor weather conditions like snow or rain.
- Keep up with regular motorcycle maintenance.
The Paul Wilkinson Law Firm Is Here for Colorado Motorcycle Accident Victims
Following a motorcycle accident, you’ll most likely feel confused, disoriented, or even afraid. But knowing the steps you should take immediately after an accident is important. This can help you receive the assistance you need. Deciding to pursue a personal injury claim will increase your chances of receiving the fair and full financial compensation you deserve.
If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, don’t feel you need to navigate this process alone. Hire an experienced accident attorney who has represented cases similar to yours so they understand the unique circumstances of your suit.
At the Paul Wilkinson Law Firm, we understand what it takes to represent (and win) motorcycle accident cases. All you have to do is Call Paul. We’ll schedule your free consultation to help you better understand the legal options in front of you.
