Knowing what to do after surviving a motorcycle accident is crucial to ensuring that you receive the care you deserve. Accidents are scary. When you suffer a motorcycle collision, you need to know what to do.

While it’s easy to get caught in the moment and freeze up while trying to handle practical steps, it is important that you check your safety, take proactive steps, and stay calm. If you find yourself in a motorcycle accident, here are some things you need to take care of both immediately and soon after the accident. 

Get Off the Road

If you’re able to get up, move off the road as soon as possible. You may be able to move your bike, but the most important thing is to make sure that you and other injured parties are out of traffic. Nothing would be worse than being hit a second time by another driver. Therefore, make sure everyone is safe before moving to the next step.

Call the Police

Grab your cellphone and call 911. You’ll need to stay on the line and answer their questions until the police arrive at the scene. They’ll help to direct traffic and emergency personnel will arrive to ensure that injuries are taken care of quickly and efficiently. The police will create an accident report, taking down information about the scene and contact information for everyone involved.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you’re pretty sure that you’re fine, don’t remove your helmet or gear without the aid of paramedics. It’s possible that your motorcycle gear is holding your spine and neck in place, and you could be more injured then you realize. Even if you discover on the scene that you’re fine, schedule a doctor’s appointment soon because motorcycle crashes often include organ damage and internal bleeding.

Don’t Apologize or Admit Fault

When an accident occurs, it’s easy to feel like you could have done things differently. And while you may be regretful of the situation, to apologize or say that you were at fault could cause problems in a possible lawsuit. While Florida doesn’t often allow lawsuits over vehicular accidents, you want to be sure that you protect yourself in the event of a lawsuit that can happen in rare but extreme situations.

Talk to Eye Witnesses

Sometimes you have no clue what happened because you were in the midst of the accident. Individuals who saw what happened can provide an external perspective that can help you know what happened and who was at fault. This information can be crucial if an extreme situation ends up in a lawsuit. Always ask for contact information as well.

Take Photos of the Scene

Having photos of the damages to both vehicles, the scene, and your injuries could be very important to the police report, insurance claim, and possible lawsuit. Take photos from a variety of angles. You’ll want to have photos of the vehicles involved and the external environment.

Contact Your Insurance Company

In Florida, car accidents are no-fault. This means that no matter who was at-fault for the motorcycle accident that your insurance will cover a level of your financial needs and injuries. However, in some extreme circumstances, your accident may be viable for a motorcycle accident lawsuit in Florida.

While not every Florida motorcycle accident is eligible for legal action, it’s possible that your accident is. Reach out to a motorcycle accident lawyer today to find out if your situation may have legal solutions. Call 352-371-4000 or email office@carrilloinjurylaw.com.