Do You Know What to do After a Motorcycle Accident?
According to Canadian law, you’re supposed to wear a helmet when you ride a motorcycle, but that won’t always protect you from injury. Motorcycle accidents are more dangerous than vehicle accidents because the rider doesn’t have the metal of the vehicle as protection. The rider can be thrown to the pavement, dragged with the vehicle or slide on the ground.
If you’re capable of moving around, it’s important that you do a few things after an accident. Even if you’d rather sit and wait for medical help, you can ask someone nearby to do a few simple things for you.
Emergency Services
Someone should call for the police and an ambulance. While you might feel like you don’t need one at that moment, adrenaline can mask injuries. You’ll feel them later and might do more damage by not allowing a medical professional to examine you. Refusing medical help can also be a problem later if you end up in a fight with the other party over compensation.
Gather the Driver’s Information
At that moment, it doesn’t matter who was at fault, you need to get the driver’s information like name and address. The most important information you should obtain is the insurance company information like the name of the company and the driver’s policy number.
Talk to Witnesses
If anyone was at the scene who saw how the accident unfolded, you should get this person’s information. They can help you prove that the accident wasn’t your fault. A court case is often your word against the driver unless there’s proof like an eyewitness and pictures. It’s important to gather information as soon as the accident occurs before people leave the scene.
Take Pictures
You can take pictures with your cell phone. The pictures you should take include the damage to your bike, the scene of the accident, the vehicle that struck you and any injuries you have. You can take pictures of the other person in case they claim injuries that didn’t happen.
Your Insurance Company
After the accident, call your own insurance company to report the incident. Your coverage may be able to help while you figure out what to do. The insurance company will let you know whether you should contact the driver’s insurance company too.
Lost Wages and Serious Injuries
If you are unable to work, your doctor will give you a note to bring to your employer. It’s best to follow your doctor’s advice, so that you can heal properly. Serious injuries and weeks to months of lost wages are a serious problem, and you may be able to get compensation if the accident was not your fault.
Contact a Lawyer
A car accident lawyer in Toronto like HSH Lawyers will be able to help you with your claim. The lawyer can discuss your rights, whether you have a case and what you should do next. You deserve to receive compensation for an accident with loss of wages, which wasn’t your fault.
When you’ve had a motorcycle accident, you’re likely to be hurt, confused or shaken. It’s vital that you gather as much information as possible at the scene before people leave. Don’t deny yourself medical treatment if you feel you might be injured.