Steps to Take After an Oklahoma Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents are almost always more devastating for riders, who are far less protected from impact with other vehicles. As a result, injuries are often severe, leaving riders unsure of how they will cover the cost of their medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. While every accident is different, there are a few essential steps that you can take after a motorcycle crash to help you navigate the legal challenges you may soon face.

Seek Medical Attention 

Motorcycle accident victims often sustain some sort of injury and it’s critical to obtain medical help for those injuries right away, even if that means taking an ambulance to the hospital. This is true even for those who believe that their injuries are relatively minor. In fact, some of the most serious injuries that a motorcyclist can sustain, including internal injuries, aren’t immediately apparent and may show no outward signs for hours or days after an accident, at which point, medical attention may come too late. Documenting your injuries is also important for an eventual insurance claim, as insurers become less and less willing to approve claims the longer a claimant waits to get medical help.

Contact Law Enforcement 

Reaching out to law enforcement after a motorcycle accident is also extremely important. Besides being in the best position to ensure that all of the parties receive emergency medical care and that the scene is secured, police officers can also document the details of the accident in an official accident report. The conclusions in these reports often end up playing a critical role in establishing fault for a particular crash. Be sure to cooperate fully with the authorities who show up at an accident scene and always provide accurate information.

Gather Evidence 

Most motorcycle accident victims aren’t in a state to start collecting evidence at the scene of the crash, but those who are should try to snap a few photographs of the crash site, including the positions of and damage to the vehicles, skid marks, and the road conditions. Claimants will also need the contact information of the other parties involved and any eyewitnesses who saw the accident occur, as well as clear records of all medical expenses, repair bills, and evidence of lost wages.

Notify Your Insurer 

Once you have obtained medical attention and begun gathering evidence, you’ll want to notify your insurance company of your accident right away. Be sure to provide them with detailed, but accurate information and also exercise caution when discussing the crash, as statements you make could end up being used against you at a later date.

Consult With an Experienced Tulsa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer 

The injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents are often catastrophic and insurers and at-fault parties alike may be unwilling to pay out the full amount of a claim. Having an attorney on your side can make all the difference in the kind of settlement you are able to negotiate. For help navigating the complexities of the Oklahoma legal system after a crash, please reach out to the experienced Tulsa motorcycle accident lawyers at Levinson Law today.

Sources: 

forbes.com/advisor/legal/auto-accident/motorcycle-accident-lawsuit/

forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/what-to-do-after-accident/