Knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident is important if you’re a motorcycle enthusiast in Arkansas. Motorcycles, while providing an unparalleled sense of freedom, come with inherent risks. An accident can happen in the blink of an eye, so it’s best to be prepared. Here at The Niblock Law Firm, we’ve outlined the steps you should take immediately after a motorcycle accident in Arkansas to ensure your safety, rights, and potential compensation.
Ensure Safety First
The first moments after a motorcycle accident can be disorienting. Remain calm and prioritize your safety. If you’re in the middle of the road, and if it’s safe to do so, try to move to a safer location, like a sidewalk or the shoulder. Remember, your well-being comes first.
Do Not Remove Protective Gear
Once you’re safe, you might be tempted to remove your helmet or other protective gear. However, it’s better that you wait until being seen by a medical professional. Removing your helmet prematurely can worsen potential injuries, especially if you have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other head injuries. Your protective gear is designed to shield you; it’s best to let a professional decide when it’s safe to take it off.
Contact Emergency Responders
Always call 911 after an accident, even if you believe your injuries are minor. Some injuries might not be immediately apparent and could manifest later. It’s always better to seek medical attention and ensure you’re not overlooking a potentially serious injury.
File a Police Report
You need to have an official record of the accident. A police report can provide an objective account of the events and can be beneficial if you need to make an insurance claim or take legal action.
Collect and Maintain All Evidence
In the aftermath of an accident, gathering evidence can significantly impact any potential claims or lawsuits.
Obtain Information From the Other Driver
Make sure you collect the other driver’s:
- Contact information (name, phone number, and address).
- Details about their vehicle: make, model, and plate number.
Take Pictures of:
- Your Injuries: Even if they seem minor, photograph all visible injuries. Bruises, cuts, and scrapes can fade with time, but a photo will preserve the evidence. These images can show the impact of the accident on your physical well-being.
- Vehicle Damage: Capture multiple angles of your motorcycle to show the extent of the damage. This includes close-ups of dents, scratches, and broken parts. If possible, compare the damaged areas with undamaged sections to highlight the contrast. These photos can help insurance claims and any potential legal proceedings.
- The Road Conditions at the Time of the Accident: Dangerous roads can sometimes contribute to an accident. Wet or icy surfaces, potholes, debris, or inadequate signage can all be factors. Photographing these conditions can help establish if external elements played a role in the incident.
- Any Other Vehicles Involved: Document the position of the vehicles post-collision and capture any damages they sustained. Also, photograph license plates, and if there are any witnesses, it might be worth capturing the scene from their perspective.
Remember, it’s better to have too many photos than too few. These images can serve as evidence. So always make sure your phone is charged and accessible whenever you’re out riding. In the unfortunate event of an accident, it can be one of your most valuable tools.
Keep All Relevant Bills
In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, it’s easy to overlook the importance of paperwork. However, collecting and organizing all relevant bills can be one of the most important steps in securing compensation. Here’s why keeping an exhaustive record is so critical and how you can make sure you don’t miss out on anything.
- Medical Bills: Medical expenses can stack up rapidly after an accident, especially when treatments are ongoing. It’s not just the immediate hospitalization costs; there are consultations, medications, physical therapy sessions, follow-up visits, and even potential future medical costs related to the accident. Keeping all these bills provides a clear picture of the financial burden imposed upon you due to someone else’s negligence.
- Repair Estimates: Your motorcycle will likely need repairs, and sometimes, multiple assessments might be required before you get a clear estimate. Keep all quotes and final bills from mechanics. This not only gives a clear idea of the direct financial cost associated with the accident but also establishes the extent of the damage your vehicle suffered.
- Other Direct and Indirect Expenses: Beyond the evident medical and repair costs, there might be other additional expenses you incur. This could include transportation costs while your motorcycle is being repaired, costs of any mobility aids or home adjustments required due to injuries, or even wages lost due to time off work. Also, you might need counseling or therapy to deal with trauma. Every penny you spend related to the accident counts, and having a bill or a receipt can help ensure it’s accounted for in any settlements or lawsuits.
- Potential Multiplier Effect: Many compensation calculations, especially in personal injury cases, consider not just the actual costs incurred but also factors in pain and suffering. The tangible proof of expenses often serves as a base from which other compensatory amounts (like emotional distress) are calculated.
While it might seem tedious, meticulous documentation can help you receive complete and fair compensation. Making it a practice to ask for, organize, and securely store every bill related to your accident is an investment in your financial and overall recovery.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible. They’ll guide you on the next steps and what they require from you.
Consult a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Before making any decisions or accepting any offers, it’s wise to consult a professional. The aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, with insurance companies potentially pressuring you to settle. Do not accept the first settlement offer without consulting a lawyer.
The Arkansas motorcycle accident lawyers at Niblock Law Firm can provide valuable assistance, helping you receive fair compensation. The Niblock Law Firm also offers compassionate representation for those who have tragically lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident caused by another person. In such challenging times, having a dedicated team by your side can make all the difference.
In the unfortunate event of a motorcycle accident in Arkansas, knowing the right steps can make all the difference in your recovery – both physically and legally. If you or a loved one are in such a situation, don’t hesitate to contact the Niblock Law Firm or call (479) 521-5510 for legal guidance.