What Should I Do If I’m In A Motorcycle Accident?
With its great sites, busy streets, and wonderful climate, motorcycles are an increasingly popular way to get around. People cite the excitement of riding motorcycles, the avoidance of high gas prices, and the ease of parking on crowded streets as reasons for embracing these vehicles. However, motorcycle accidents are on the rise, and Atlanta’s I-75 is quickly becoming one of the most deadly highways in the country for motorcyclists, with at least eight individuals injured or killed over just the last two weeks. If you have been injured in an Atlanta, or anywhere in Georgia, in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to know what to do following the crash to avoid further injury and build a strong claim for recovery.
Step-by-Step Guide for After an Atlanta Motorcycle Accident
- Get off the road and away from traffic. You may be injured, confused, and disoriented after a motorcycle collision, so if you remember just one thing, let it be this: get out of the road. Don’t worry about your bike or anything else, just get as far away from traffic as possible.
- Call for help if necessary. If anyone involved in the crash may be injured, if the other driver appears intoxicated, if the vehicles cannot be safely removed from the path of traffic, or if the accident has left debris in the road, it’s important to call police right away. If you believe you or anyone else may be injured, also request paramedics.
- Keep safety gear on and say as little as possible until police arrive. With adrenaline rushing and confusion high, you may be likely to say things that will hurt you later on. Do not apologize for the accident or discuss what may have happened with other drivers. Try to stay calm and compose yourself until the police arrive.
- Take photos and videos. If you are physically able, take photos and videos of the accident, damage to and license plates of all involved vehicles, and any visible injuries.
- Get the other driver’s information. Collect the license, registration, and insurance information from the other driver.
- Find any witnesses. If anyone has pulled over to help or saw the accident happen, ask for their contact information so that they can serve as a witness.
- Talk to the police. Stick to the facts when talking to the police. If they ask a question that you do not know the answer to, do not guess. Also do not assume the blame, you cannot be sure of the full circumstances of the crash at this point and it’s their job to determine who is responsible. If you are injured or have any physical discomfort, be sure to let police know so that it is included in the report. If you believe the other driver may be intoxicated, inform the officers so that they can perform the appropriate testing.
- Get medical care. If you need medical care, tell officers and paramedics on the scene. They may transport you to the hospital. Be sure to keep all medical records and documentation as they will be important for your claim. Even if you do not believe you are injured, it’s still important to receive a medical evaluation soon after the crash and keep the documentation from the visit.
- Keep track of costs. From hospital bills, x-rays, doctor’s visits, taxi rides home, missed work, and prescription and over-the-counter medications, be sure to keep a detailed log of all costs incurred as a result of the accident.
- Talk to a lawyer. If you’ve suffered an injury, talk to a lawyer before taking any calls from insurance claims adjusters.
Schedule a Consultation with Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Cobb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, or anywhere in Georgia, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers and schedule a free consultation today. Reach out our Alpharetta personal injury attorney today for help.
Resource:
11alive.com/article/traffic/i-75-dixie-road-fatal-accident/85-03e0dff2-ef92-4c87-91a6-1bbc99fcdcfe
