Published in Personal Injury by Mitch Cornell on August 17, 2018.
Each year, thousands of motorcyclists are injured on Indiana roads. If you have been involved in a collision, you might be in a lot of pain and confused about what to do. To protect your ability to receive compensation, remember to follow the five steps below.
Report the Accident to the Police
A police officer can come out to the scene of the accident and write up a police report. This report will contain vital information, such as the parties involved and the day/time/location of the crash.
The police officer might also identify witnesses to the accident and take down statements from everyone involved.
Without a police report, it is hard to establish that an accident occurred, so call the police right away. If you are too injured, then ask someone else to call.
Receive Medical Treatment
Your health should be a top priority. It is no surprise that many motorcyclists suffer horrifying injuries because they are so unprotected. With a direct hit, many bikers die or otherwise suffer devastating injuries, such as:
- Burns, including road rash
- Fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations and crushed limbs
- \Nerve damage
By receiving prompt treatment, you give yourself the best chance of making a strong recovery. If you cannot call emergency services, then ask someone else to call for you.
Collect Evidence, if You Can
You might be in so much pain that you can’t do anything other than lying on the ground and wait for the ambulance to arrive. That is okay. Your motorcycle injury lawyer will obtain evidence later, if necessary.
However, if your injuries are relatively minor and you can get up and walk around, then collect the following evidence:
- Take pictures of your bike and whatever it collided with. If a passenger car struck you, then take pictures of the damage to the car. These photos can establish who was at fault for the accident.
- Take pictures of anything that you think contributed to the crash, such as an obstructed stop sign or a malfunctioning traffic light.
- Ask for the names and contact information of any witnesses. Get their phone number and email.
Discuss Repair Options with your Motorcycle Attorney
Your motorcycle contains important information about the accident. By analyzing the damage, your lawyer might be able to prove that the other driver struck you and therefore is at fault for the crash. If you repair your bike immediately, then you may lose this critical evidence.
Minimally, take multiple photos of your bike at every angle and save all repair estimates and repair documentation.
Hire an Experienced Indianapolis Motorcycle Injury Attorney
After a crash, you are probably disorientated and unprepared for handling the forms that insurance adjusters throw your way. It is very easy to become confused and give up. This is where a motorcycle injury lawyer can help.
At Eskew Law, our attorneys have helped people injured in Indiana motorcycle accidents for years get the compensation they need to fix their bike, pay for medical bills, and replace lost wages.
Contact us right away to find out more about whether you have a case. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation which you can schedule by calling 317-974-0177.
