Have you been hurt in a motorcycle accident in Georgia? What you do next could determine whether you can secure fair compensation from the person who hit you. Here’s what you can do to protect your rights: Contact the authorities, get checked out for injuries, start gathering evidence, and then consult an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.
The compassionate and experienced attorneys at Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., understand how challenging and confusing the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can feel. That’s why we have compiled this guide to help you understand what to do after a Georgia motorcycle accident, including the critical steps to optimize your medical and possible financial recovery.
Call Police
Georgia requires motorists to report an accident to law enforcement if the collision results in injury, death, or more than $500 in property damage. Even if such outcomes are not immediately apparent, you should always call the police after an accident.
The responding officer will file a crash report that notes the accident’s date, time, and location. They will also list details of the individuals and vehicles involved, note whether anyone received a traffic citation, and offer their initial assessment of who is primarily at fault. This crash report will serve as one of the most critical pieces of evidence for your compensation claim.
Check for Injuries
The shock of an accident can cause a rush of adrenaline through your body. Adrenaline is a natural anesthetic, so it can keep you from feeling the pain of any injuries you have sustained. As such, it is critical to scan yourself (and your passenger rider, if applicable) to determine whether anyone requires emergency medical care.
State law also requires you to render aid to other individuals involved in the accident, if necessary. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911. If you are trained in first aid, offer what help you can until emergency services arrive.
Gather Information
To build a strong compensation claim, collect information at the scene of the accident. If possible, obtain the following details from the other driver or drivers involved:
- Name, address, and phone number
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance company and policy number
- License plate number and the make and model of their vehicle
Additionally, look for any witnesses who may have seen the accident occur. Ask for their names and contact information, as their statements may provide valuable support for your claim.
Take Photos and Videos of the Scene
Visual documentation of the accident scene is essential evidence for your motorcycle accident case. Use your smartphone to take photos and videos of:
- Damage to your motorcycle and other vehicles involved
- Skid marks, debris, or other evidence on the road
- Traffic signs, signals, or road conditions that may have contributed to the accident
- Visible injuries you or your passengers sustained
Be sure to take pictures from multiple angles to provide a comprehensive view of the scene. These images and videos can serve as graphic illustrations of the accident’s immediate effects, which may increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome for your case.
Call Your Insurance Company to Report the Accident
Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Most policies require prompt reporting of incidents, and you may jeopardize your coverage if you fail to do so. When speaking with your insurance representative, you should do the following:
- Provide basic facts about the accident, such as the date, time, location, and parties involved.
- Avoid admitting fault or apologizing for the incident.
- Refrain from speculating about the cause of the accident or the extent of your injuries.
- Request a copy of your insurance policy and carefully review your coverage and obligations.
Remember, even though they are your insurance company, their primary goal is to minimize their financial responsibility. Be cautious about what you say. Do not provide a recorded statement before consulting an attorney. These same guidelines apply to conversations with the at-fault party’s insurance adjuster.
See Your Doctor
Even if you believe you have sustained no injuries or that your injuries are minor, swift medical attention is critical after an accident. Some motorcycle injuries may not present symptoms until hours or days after you sustain trauma. Such injuries with delayed-onset symptoms might include internal bleeding, whiplash, or concussions. A thorough scan from a licensed medical professional can determine whether you have sustained any hidden forms of harm, thereby enabling early treatment.
Furthermore, if you seek medical attention soon after a motorcycle crash, you create an official link between the accident and your injuries. If you wait too long to see your doctor, the at-fault party’s insurance company may argue that your injuries are unrelated to the collision.
Keep a Record of Your Losses
Another vital step for seeking compensation is to document your accident-related expenses. Keep track of all costs you incur due to the motorcycle crash, including:
- Medical bills for ambulance rides, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and therapy sessions
- Lost wages from missed work due to your injuries
- Receipts for transportation to medical appointments or rental vehicles
- Repair or replacement estimates for your damaged motorcycle and gear
An organized record of these expenses will help your attorney calculate the true value of your claim so they can fight for fair compensation for your losses.
Contact a Georgia Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The experienced team at Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., has over 30 years of experience handling claims for injured motorcyclists. We are ready to protect your rights by thoroughly investigating the crash, calculating the total value of your accident-related losses, and demanding the insurance company pay you fairly. If necessary, our seasoned litigators are ready to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Remember, you do not have to face the aftermath of a motorcycle accident alone. After you take these initial steps to protect your health and safeguard your rights, let our skilled and knowledgeable team assert your rights on your behalf. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Georgia motorcycle accident lawyer.
