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A motorcycle traffic collision is among fatal road accidents in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2018 alone, 4,895 people died because of motorcycle crashes. Although the numbers seem to drop slowly over the years, motorcyclists must instil discipline and responsibility and acquire the right knowledge and awareness for these accidents to be entirely avoided for the next years to come.
Whether you are a motorcyclist or not, it is essential to know the right measures that you should take if you get involved in motor collisions, or you are just trying to help a loved one involved — even if you are just a bystander who has witnessed one.
Here are the steps that you should follow immediately after a motorcycle accident has occurred:
Ensure that the victim is in good condition
If you have just witnessed a motorcycle accident, call medical assistance immediately. Any type of road collisions are fatal and could cause severe injuries. The victim must be brought to the nearest hospital for medical attention. Contact the police and report the incident.
Collect information about the accident
Once the victim is already attended to by the paramedics, and is being brought to the hospital, look around the scene of the accident. Take note of important details that can be used during the investigation. Check the damages that the accident has caused and if there are other vehicles or victims involved. Ask for contact information of those involved and the witnesses that can provide statements. Keep this information to hand when you discuss your accident claim.
Secure proper documentation
Take photos of the scene as well as the damages. These are vital for the police and the insurance company. Proper documentation will help in securing evidence that can be used during investigations and assessments. If there are other bystanders around, ask them for their statements. CCTV footages are significant substantial evidence that can back up the situation. Look around the nearby buildings or establishments if they have CCTV cameras facing the road that might have captured the incident.
Talk to the doctor
Once the situation is under control, and the victim is in stable condition, talk to the attending doctor. Request all medical certificates that show every injury the victim has obtained before contacting the insurance company. You should be able to solidly prove that the victim is injured because of the accident.
Contact a lawyer that specializes in motorcycle traffic collisions
Personal injury lawyers are the most capable of handling incidents that involve motorcycle traffic collisions. Having a lawyer who has vast experience in handling these cases will help your case become smoother, and you will likely win your claim. Contact a lawyer before making any statement. He or she will guide you on what measures you should be taking for you to back up your claims.
Contact the insurance company
At times like these, your insurance company is less likely on your side. They will be more concerned with protecting their profit margins. However, it is crucial to make your claim as soon as possible, while all evidence and statements are still relevant and fresh. It is why you must collect vital information as much as you can and as fast as you can. Hiring a personal injury lawyer will also make the process easier.
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