Learn What to Do After a Denver Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle enthusiasts say it is not IF you have an accident, but WHEN. Motorcycles have a reduced visibility to other vehicles. They also have less stability than cars. For these reasons, an accident is more likely to occur when one is riding a motorcycle. In 2016, 125 motorcyclists lost their lives on Colorado roads. Statewide, there were at least 2,386 accidents involving motorcycles.

If you enjoy riding, you should prepare yourself for the possibility of an accident. Then you will know how to handle the situation if it ever arises. Taking a quick, decisive course of action can save lives and protect you in case of liability issues. Unfortunately, making mistakes after a motorcycle accident could worsen your injuries. It could also cost you thousands of dollars.

Get to a Safe Area

If a motorcycle accident occurs, get out of the road immediately. Check on the other driver and passengers, but do not stand in the middle of the road to discuss the accident. If an injured person cannot move to a safe area unassisted, use your best judgment. Improperly moving an injured person can make their injuries worse. However, in cases of vehicle fire or other hazards, relocating an injured party may be the safest option.

Use cones, hazard lights, or hand signals to alert oncoming traffic. If you are able, take photographs of the scene of the accident. Do not move your bike out of the road until you can do so safely and officials have documented the accident scene. Do not leave the scene of the accident until a police officer has arrived.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

If the accident injured you or someone else, call 911 right away. When there are no serious injuries, call the police on the non-emergency line. To reach the Denver Police Department, call (720) 913-2000. Even if you do not believe your injuries are serious, it is important to seek medical attention. Do so as soon as possible after the accident. Certain injuries are very insidious. It is always a good idea to have a medical professional check you out after a motor vehicle accident.

It is also normal for injuries to develop in the days and weeks following a crash. After an accident, a person may not realize the extent of his injuries. This is because adrenaline is still pumping into their bloodstream. Some injuries simply take a few days to show up. You may experience delayed symptoms of injury after your motorcycle accident. If so, see a doctor as soon as the injury becomes apparent.

Notify Your Insurance Company

As noted, you or someone else should contact police immediately after the accident. When they’ve arrived, and EMTs have given you the medical treatment you need, it’s time to take the next steps. Of course, if your injuries are bad enough that you need to go to the hospital, that takes precedent. Otherwise, call your insurance company right away and let them know about the crash. You may hear from the opposing company in the days following. However, avoid giving any detailed statements or interviews until you have spoken with an attorney. This is especially important when dealing with the other driver’s insurance adjuster.

Call a Denver Personal Injury Attorney ASAP

You should contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident.

Collect Evidence

After a motorcycle accident, you will need to collect important information and evidence. It will explain the details of your crash.

From the Scene of the Accident

If possible, take photographs of the scene of the crash. Get the name and contact information of everyone you speak with after your accident. This will include the other driver and passengers, witnesses, police officers, and insurance agents. The police report will document most the important details from the crash scene. You will definitely want to obtain a copy of this report.

From the Police Department

The police officer’s traffic accident report may be the most important piece of paper in your case. It is an official legal record containing contact and insurance details of the parties involved, property damage, injuries and/or fatalities that occurred, witness statements, and a description of the accident. The officer will use this information to make a determination of fault in the accident. You will want to read this report carefully and screen it for accuracy.

Obtain a copy of the police report from your Denver motorcycle accident by downloading the record request form available on their website and mailing the completed form to the Denver Police Department, along with a $15 fee. You should receive a copy of the police report in the mail within two to four weeks. There is an exception for traffic accidents that involve a fatality or hit-and-run. You can order these police investigation reports online. You will receive them within five days of the order.

From Your Doctor

If you’re facing injuries from a motorcycle accident, you will need to make sure they are carefully documented. You can do this by seeking medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. Also, attend all scheduled follow-up appointments. In addition, notify your doctor about symptoms that occur after the incident. Taking these steps helps ensure you have proper records. When speaking to medical professionals about your injuries, be as clear and thorough as possible. Make sure your doctor is aware of any ongoing limitations that you experience. For example, if you need help standing up to go to the restroom, your doctor needs to know this. Clear communication with your physician will help ensure your records describe your injuries accurately.

Schedule a Free Case Review with a Denver Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you haven’t done so already, scheduling a free consultation with a personal injury attorney is one of the first actions to take after a motorcycle accident. An attorney will review the important information in your case, and let you know if he recommends filing a personal injury claim. When you attend the consultation, be sure to bring the police report, medical records, pay stubs, medical bills and receipts incurred from the accident. Bring any other important documents relevant to your case as well.

To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Denver personal injury attorney, contact Roberts Accident Law, LLC.