A motorcycle accident can be a terrifying experience, one that throws you off your bike and significantly increases stress levels. To protect both your health and your legal rights, though, it's important to remain calm and take some important steps during this scary time. Here’s what you should do.

What to Do Right Away After a Motorcycle Crash

1. Call 911

Your health and safety and that of others involved in the accident should be the highest priorities. Call 911, whether or not you know for certain there are serious injuries. It's best to err on the side of caution, and everyone can get checked out by a medical professional. 911 will also summon the police, who will complete an accident report that will be a crucial document in the event a legal claim stems from the accident.

2. Collect Evidence

As you wait for police and paramedics to arrive, use your smartphone to take pictures of the accident scene, including the positions of all motorcycles and vehicles involved, your injuries, and the general setting. Also, obtain the contact information for any eyewitnesses to the accident.

3. Don't Admit Fault

In the anxiety following a motorcycle accident, it's not uncommon to want to apologize to the other party or take responsibility for the crash. This is a natural human response, an attempt to find peace in a destabilizing situation.

However, it can also be detrimental from a legal perspective. The other party can report your apology or claim of responsibility to the police and to insurance companies, and insurers will then use it to deny coverage. Remember: Police have not yet investigated the accident, so you don't know for certain what happened. You may not be at fault at all.

4. Contact Your Insurer & a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Call your insurance company and report the crash. Tell them exactly what happened, don't admit fault, and don't speculate about the extent of injuries or damage until medical and mechanical assessments have been performed.

Then, contact an attorney. They’ll represent you in all dealings with insurers and with the other party involved in the accident. If a personal injury claim ends up being viable for you, they’ll work to get you compensation for injuries, pain, and suffering while negotiating settlements as needed.

If you've been in a motorcycle accident, Carey & Hamner, P.C., is here to help. They serve clients in the Enterprise, Dothan, and Ozark, AL, region with representation in motorcycle and auto accidents as well as other personal injury claims. These advocates will fight for your rights and your need for compensation. Call (855) 435-4797 or visit them online to schedule a consultation.