Being involved in an Aurora Colorado motorcycle accident is scary, and it often leaves the rider with serious injuries. Knowing exactly what to do after a motorcycle crash isn’t just about protecting your health – it’s also about preserving your rights to the help and compensation you may need later.
In the confusion that follows an accident, crucial evidence can slip away or small mistakes can create challenges when dealing with insurance companies. Here are the important steps you should take after the accident to protect yourself:
Call 911 and Make Sure You Are Safe
What you do right after a motorcycle crash can keep you safe and help with any future claims. Take actions that protect yourself and preserve important information.
- Move to a safe spot if possible, turn off your motorcycle’s ignition, and switch on your hazard lights.
- Do not take off your helmet until you are absolutely away from further harm and not at risk of being hit by an oncoming vehicle.
- Call 911 and specifically ask for both the police and emergency medical services, even if your injuries seem minor.
- Do not admit fault or even apologize. Answer questions honestly and stick to just the basic facts.
Seek Medical Care
Prompt medical treatment does more than protect your health – it also creates clear records that support your injury claim. Even if you feel “okay,” symptoms often appear slowly after an accident.
- Get checked out the same day at an emergency room or urgent care. You could have injuries that you aren’t even aware of.
- Continue care with your primary doctor or specialists as needed, and keep track of all your physical symptoms and treatments in a daily journal.
Evidence You Can Gather (or Ask Someone To)
Collecting evidence can make future legal or insurance proceedings much simpler. If you’re unable to gather these items, ask a friend or witness on the scene for help.
- Take photos or video of motorcycle and car damage, skid marks, surrounding debris, traffic controls, the weather and lighting conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Make sure you exchange details with other involved drivers, passengers, and witnesses, including contact info, vehicle plates, VINs, and insurance policy numbers.
- Save your gear – helmet, jacket, and all damaged motorcycle parts – and don’t have anything repaired or disposed of before the claim is examined.
- Request relevant footage from any available dashcams or nearby business and traffic cameras, then ask that video be preserved as evidence for your case. If you can’t do this, at least make a note of where the cameras are and who has footage so your lawyer can reach out later.
Notify Insurance, But Protect Yourself
It’s important to let your insurance company know about the motorcycle crash as soon as possible, but you should do so in a way that doesn’t harm your claim.
- Promptly report the crash to your insurer, supplying just the basic facts and what’s confirmed by the official accident report.
- Use caution with insurance adjusters; do not provide recorded statements without consulting a lawyer first or sign any broad medical release forms that allow access to years of unrelated health information.
- Be wary of quick settlement offers, especially if your treatment is ongoing. Accepting early can keep you from getting full compensation for all of your losses.
Limit Social Media Activity
Even innocent posts after a crash can be misunderstood or used against you in negotiations or court.
- Avoid sharing details, photos, or location check-ins related to your accident, your recovery, or other physical activities.
- Ask friends and family to avoid tagging you in updates related to exercise, vehicle rides, or social outings while your case or claim is still active.
Call a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If your case involves significant injuries, uncertain fault, insurance coverage disputes, a hit-and-run, commercial vehicles, or concerns about policy limits, seeking a lawyer’s help is essential.
- Your attorney can send preservation letters to ensure evidence and digital records are not lost or altered.
- They will investigate who was at fault, coordinate with accident reconstruction experts, and interview critical witnesses to support your claim.
- Motorcycle lawyers handle negotiations with insurers and are prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement isn’t reached.
Taking these actions after a motorcycle accident gives you the best chance of getting the help that you need – physically, financially, and emotionally. If you have any questions, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation at (720) 812-1047.