Legal Information: Steps in Investigating Motorcycle Accidents
by Riding motorcycles is a popular activity. However, unlike cars and other vehicles, motorcycles offer drivers and passengers zero protection. Motorcycle accidents happen because of the driver’s failure to see the other vehicles in time to avoid the crash. In addition, motorcycle accidents are due to the failure of other drivers to see motorcyclists on their mirrors before changing lanes or turning.
The truth is there is nothing between the rider and the open road other than the clothes the rider is wearing and the helmet. The habit of motorcyclists to sneak in and out of openings in the traffic coupled with the excitement of the rider becomes the perfect formula for motorcycle accidents.
What to do when you are involved in a motorcycle accident
There are certain unique aspects of a motorcycle accident case and you need the right person to represent you so that you will not take the risk of losing your claim to insurance. The first thing to do when you are involved in a motorcycle accident is to gather all information related to the accident from police reports, from damages, from witnesses, and from the scene.
Investigating a claim can be crucial in some motorcycle accident cases. The following information provides a general overview of what to do in case you are part of a motorcycle accident.
It is a general assumption that an emergency kit is always available in your glove compartment. In addition, a cell phone, a pen, and few sheets of paper for taking notes are useful. Any camera and a card with information about medical allergies or conditions that may require special attention are necessary, especially if there are injuries.
The steps in investigating a motorcycle accident
If you have an accident, STOP. Do not drive away from the scene. Move vehicles to safety to prevent further accidents. Make sure to turn on hazard lights and set out cones, flares, or warning triangles, to warn approaching vehicles.
Move people to safety. Check for injuries. Everyone who can manage to walk should move to safety.
· Determine the extent of injury. Call for help. As soon as you can get to a telephone, call 911 or its equivalent in your country. Explain the situation and give the exact location of the accident, so that help can arrive quickly. Be sure to mention whether you need an ambulance or a fire engine. Do not hang up until the operator tells you to.
Take photos of the crash site, the vehicles, and the injuries. These photos are essential to preserve the evidence for the case. Use any available camera to document the damages. Do not depend on police photographs. Remember that you want your photos to show the real circumstances of the accident. Take as many photos as you can manage to.
· Call your lawyer. The presence of your lawyer is very important especially if there are injuries. An attorney will take steps to help prove who was at fault and maximize your results. Likewise, the lawyer will preserve the evidences that may include photographs of damages to the vehicles, and injuries. He will also take note of the roadway conditions and skid marks, as well as witness statements.
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