Involved in a Motorcycle Accident? Here's What You Should Do.

Survey the Scene of the Accident and Assess the Damage

The moments after the accident can seem like little more than a blur. Your adrenaline is rushing, and you are trying to take in what just happened while checking yourself for any obvious signs of severe injuries. Try to make as many mental notes about the events of the accident and the accident scene itself as you can. If you are able, you should walk around and take pictures of all the people and vehicles involved. Talk to as many witnesses as you can find, regardless of whether they were involved in the accident, and try to get all of their contact information in case you need them to give a statement or testify later in support of your claim.

Call the Police and Talk to Them When They Arrive

To make sure your motorcycle accident is handled properly and documented appropriately, you need to call the police. When the responding officers arrive and talk to you, be completely honest with them about everything that happened. They need to get the whole story from all the drivers and passengers who were involved, as well as any independent witnesses who saw the accident but were not involved. Once they have spoken to everyone at the scene, they will record each statement in their written report. The report will also contain contact information and insurance information for all the drivers. Most importantly, it will show who the officers believe caused the accident, what caused the accident and whether any citations are being issued. Get a copy of this report for your records.

Get Immediate Medical Care for Your Injuries

Even if your injuries seem minor, you must still have a medical professional examine you as soon as possible. Some symptoms can take hours, days or even weeks to appear, and by the time they do, some effects of your injuries may have worsened or become irreversible. When you call the police, request that an ambulance be sent too. Once they have had a chance to look you over, the paramedics will take you to a nearby hospital's emergency room if your injuries are severe enough. There, you will receive additional treatment and undergo some testing. Depending on the nature and extent of your injuries, you may need to have surgery.

Keep a File Containing All of Your Accident-Related Documents

When you file your claim against whomever caused your accident, you will need documentation to use as evidence that the injuries are as severe as you say they are. You should keep copies of all medical records, medical bills, photographs, property damage calculations, repair estimates, police reports and all other documents related to the accident for your file. Having all these documents in one place will save you and your attorney from having to expend valuable time and resources tracking them down after the fact.

Contact Experienced Local Personal Injury Attorneys Who Will Stand Up for You

After a motorcycle accident, the last thing you should have to do is to face off with the insurance companies' adjusters and attorneys on your own. The attorneys at Harrell & Harrell Jacksonville personal injury lawyers, have hundreds of years of combined experience negotiating with insurance companies and being highly effective advocates for injured people. They know the best strategies to secure maximum compensation and justice for their clients. You deserve the best representation. With Harrell & Harrell, that is what you will get. Call today to get on the path to making yourself whole again.