A motorcycle ride in the open air is an exhilarating experience. A motorcycle is also a gas-friendly transportation option for many residents of Missouri. Unfortunately, the same open-air design that makes a motorcycle ride thrilling also leaves motorcyclists vulnerable to serious, catastrophic, or deadly injuries in a crash. Motorcyclists must follow traffic laws and pay vigilant attention to their surroundings. Still, even the most careful rider cannot control the careless or reckless actions of drivers sharing the roadway in cars weighing 4,000-pounds or more. Although nothing can erase painful and debilitating injuries, an injured motorcyclist can take purposeful action beginning at the accident scene to protect their physical and financial future. This is especially true when navigating a St. Louis motorcycle accident case.
Steps to Take at the Scene of a Motorcycle Accident In Missouri
A severe accident may leave a motorcyclist unconscious or incapacitated, preventing them from taking any action at the scene; however, if an injury victim can use a cellphone or ask an uninjured person to use it for them, they can take the following beneficial steps right at the accident scene:
- First, call 911 to report the accident and apply emergency first aid
- Use the phone’s camera to take photos of the damaged motorcycle and any involved vehicles
- Photograph the accident scene and anything relevant, such as a traffic light, intersection, or hazardous road condition
- Take photos of any visible injuries
- Add the contact information of the involved driver
- Add the contact information of any eyewitnesses
Eyewitnesses are often the key to a successful compensation claim after a Missouri motorcycle accident, particularly if there are no nearby traffic cameras or security cameras to capture the accident. Sometimes, helpful eyewitnesses leave the scene without leaving behind essential contact information.
What To Do After a Missouri Motorcycle Accident
It’s always best to go to the hospital in an ambulance straight from the scene of the accident. Alternatively, you should arrange transportation to a hospital from the accident location if your injuries are not critical. Going straight to a hospital not only ensures that you receive emergency care, but it also documents that your injuries occurred in the accident. At the hospital, ask for a complete medical assessment as well as treatment for emergency injuries. This helps ensure that the doctor identifies and treats injuries with delayed symptom presentation. This can occur with whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, and internal bleeding. Ask for a detailed medical report and then follow your doctor’s recommendations carefully. Keep copies of your medical bills and receipts for related expenses. Always contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney before accepting an early settlement offer from the at-fault party’s insurance company. Often, these are significantly undervalued and offered before an injury victim knows the full extent of their damages, such as future medical costs, total income loss, and whether the injury will cause permanent disability. Signing an early settlement agreement requires waiving the right to file a lawsuit.
Hire an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
One of the most important steps to take after you’ve received the emergency medical care you need and a treatment plan for your injuries is to reach out to a St. Louis personal injury attorney with experience in motorcycle accident claims. Then, direct all communication with the insurance company to your lawyer. Your attorney will investigate the accident, document proof of the at-fault party’s liability, and carefully calculate your damages to maximize the compensation available to you before negotiating with the insurance company to obtain a favorable result on your behalf.