Immediate Steps to Take After a Car or Motorcycle Accident
In the chaos that ensues after a car or motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to remain calm and focused to ensure the safety of everyone involved. A clear mind is also important so that you can assess your medical needs and gather essential information for insurance and legal purposes. Please find below all of the steps you should take immediately following a car or motorcycle collision.
Prioritize Safety and Your Medical Needs
The first and foremost concern is the safety of everyone involved. Following an accident, you should move to a safe location and turn on your hazard lights. If necessary, you should set up warning triangles or flares to alert other drivers.
Once safe, it is critical that you assess your medical needs. We generally recommend seeking medical care as soon as possible after your accident. You can visit an emergency room, urgent care clinic, or your primary care provider.
This is true even if you believe you did not sustain serious injuries. Some medical conditions can develop even with no initial symptoms. Medical attention will also result in medical records, which serve as important evidence in any injury claim.
Call the Police and Exchange Information
You should contact local law enforcement officers after an accident so that they can generate a report of the incident. Provide accurate information about the location, number of vehicles involved, and any injuries. Cooperate fully with the responding officers and avoid making statements that could imply fault.
During this time, you should also exchange essential information with the other parties involved. Essential information includes:
- Names,
- Addresses,
- Phone numbers,
- Insurance details, and
- Vehicle registration numbers.
If there are witnesses, collect their contact information as well.
Document the Scene
Take photos of your accident scene as they will serve as valuable evidence in terms of establishing liability and proving the extent of your injuries. Make sure to take photos of:
- The vehicles involved,
- Damage to any vehicle or motorcycle involved,
- The general location of the accident (for example, intersection, ditch, median, etc.),
- Road conditions,
- Any relevant signage,
- Your injuries, and
- Any property damage.
This documentation can be crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Consult with an Attorney
You definitely should consult with a car accident attorney following your collision. A personal injury lawyer can provide guidance on legal options and help protect your rights. An attorney can also help you gather evidence for your case, file an injury claim or lawsuit on your behalf, and ultimately maximize your compensation from the insurance company and/or at at-fault party.
Contact Justice Through Compensation for Help
If you or a loved one was injured in an auto accident, please know that the law firm of Justice Through Compensation is here to help. Our legal team is skilled, experienced, and passionate in their representation. Let us shoulder the burden of an injury claim or lawsuit while you focus on healing from your injuries. Contact us today for the quality legal help you deserve.
* Main image at top by gpointstudio on Freepik