What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Request Free ConsultationAfter a motorcycle accident, move to safety, call 911, seek medical care, document the scene, exchange information, and speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Salt Lake City before settling with insurance. Acting quickly protects both your health and any claim you may file.
Step 1: Move to Safety and Call 911
If you’re able to move, get yourself and your bike out of traffic to lower the risk of a second collision. Call 911 right away, even for a crash that seems minor. A police report creates an official record of what happened, and that documentation often becomes valuable evidence later. Stay calm, and avoid apologizing or admitting fault at the scene, since those words can be used against you.
Step 2: Get Checked by a Doctor, Even If You Feel Fine
Adrenaline can hide serious injuries for hours or even days after a crash. Internal bleeding, concussions, and soft-tissue damage do not always show symptoms right away. Seeing a doctor promptly safeguards your health and ties your injuries to the accident in your medical records, which is valuable evidence if you decide to pursue compensation.
Step 3: Collect Photos, Videos, and Witness Details
Evidence fades fast, so gather as much as you can while you’re still at the scene. If your injuries allow, use your phone to capture:
- Wide shots of the full scene, including the position of both vehicles
- Road conditions, traffic signals, and any relevant street signs
- Close-ups of vehicle damage, skid marks, and debris
- Any visible injuries to yourself or others
You should also collect the names and phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the crash. Their accounts can confirm your version of events when liability is disputed.
Step 4: Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Before you leave the scene, exchange key details with every driver involved in the crash. Stay courteous, but keep the conversation limited to the facts and avoid discussing who was at fault. You will want each driver’s full name, phone number, address, insurance company, policy number, license plate, and driver’s license number.
These details set the insurance process in motion. Once a claim is filed, the insurance company will begin its own review of the crash, and an adjuster will often reach out to you soon after. How you handle those early conversations can shape the outcome of your claim.
Step 5: Talk to a Utah Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies often move quickly to settle a claim, but these offers rarely reflect the true cost of your recovery. A Utah motorcycle accident lawyer can review your case, handle communication with insurers, and pursue the compensation you are owed for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At We Win Injury Law, we recognize how overwhelming the days after a motorcycle accident can feel. Our Salt Lake City accident attorneys can guide you through the aftermath and build a strong claim for compensation from day one. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward moving forward.