Operating a motorcycle can be dangerous and most people understand that when you ride a motorcycle, you need to wear protective gear like a helmet, a jacket, and long pants. By doing this, you can often protect yourself from injuries you may get if you were thrown off your motorcycle in an accident. However, even a rider who is wearing safety gear can still get hurt in a motorcycle accident. A skilled motorcycle accident lawyer, like a motorcycle accident lawyer in St. Paul, MN, might be able to help you seek compensation if you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident.
Immediately Following the Accident
When you have been hit, the first thing you should do following a motorcycle accident is to seek help from a doctor. When you are riding a motorcycle, you are significantly more vulnerable than you would be if you were driving in a car. Your doctor can:
- Treat your injuries and make sure you get the necessary medical work after an accident.
- Provide primary evidence you will need when pursuing legal action against the negligent driver.
What to Do at the Accident Scene
When you are still at the scene of the accident, there are several things that you can do to gather evidence for your case.
- Take photos of the accident scene. It can be hard to remember where everything was and what kind of damage was done, especially if you were injured in the accident. If you are able to, snap a few pictures.
- Call 9-1-1. The other driver may not wish to have police at the scene. However, it is important to get a police statement, as this can be used as evidence when you bring forward a lawsuit. You want to make sure to cooperate with the police officers and answer questions, but it is important that you do not admit to any fault.
- Speak with the person towing your motorcycle. It is important that your motorcycle is not damaged any more so that you can potentially use it as evidence later on in your lawsuit.
- Call your attorney. You may not be worried about your lawsuit. In fact, you may think that the damage is obvious so the case should be fairly easy. However, an attorney who is familiar with motorcycle accident cases is the best person for the job and can make sure paperwork is filed correctly and all the necessary evidence is brought forward.
Call an attorney as soon as possible to begin building your case.
Thanks to The Law Office of Johnston Martineau, PLLP for their insight into motorcycle accident injuries.