5 TOP THINGS TO DO FOLLOWING A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

A motorcycle accident can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. Whether the collision appears minor or results in serious injury, it can be difficult to think clearly about what to do next.

Knowing the right steps to take can help protect your health, ensure you meet your legal obligations and preserve important information that may be needed later.

Here are 5 of the most important things to do following a motorcycle accident.

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1. Put your safety first and seek medical attention

Your immediate priority should always be your safety and the safety of others.

If anyone has been seriously injured, is in danger or the accident has created a dangerous obstruction, call 999 immediately. If it is safe to do so, move away from danger and wait for emergency services.

Motorcyclists can be particularly vulnerable in a collision, and injuries may not always be immediately obvious. It is important to seek medical advice following an accident, even where you initially feel relatively well.

If you come across an injured motorcyclist, it is generally important not to remove their helmet unless it is essential, as unnecessary movement can potentially make injuries worse.

2. Exchange details and report the accident where necessary

If you are involved in a road traffic collision, you must stop and exchange the required details with those involved. This includes your name and address and the vehicle registration number.

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Depending on the circumstances, the accident may also need to be reported to the police. If details are not exchanged at the scene, the collision must generally be reported as soon as reasonably practicable and, in any event, within 24 hours.

If you are unsure whether an accident needs to be reported, seeking advice from the police can help ensure that you meet your legal obligations.

3. Gather as much evidence as you safely can

If you are physically able and it is safe to do so, gather information about what happened.

This could include taking photographs of:

• The vehicles involved
• Damage to your motorcycle and protective equipment
• The road layout and road surface
• Skid marks or debris
• Traffic signs and road markings
• Your injuries

It can also be helpful to obtain the names and contact details of any witnesses. If there are nearby shops, homes or businesses with CCTV, or vehicles that may have captured dashcam footage, make a note of this as soon as possible.

Evidence can disappear quickly following an accident, so recording the scene early may prove valuable.

4. Inform your insurance company

You should notify your insurer following an accident, even if you do not intend to make a claim.

Provide them with the information you have available, but avoid speculating about what happened or accepting responsibility before the circumstances have been properly considered.

Keep copies of any correspondence, photographs and documents relating to the accident, as well as receipts for expenses that arise as a result of your injuries or the collision.

5. Consider getting specialist legal advice

A motorcycle accident can have consequences that extend far beyond the initial collision. Injuries may affect your ability to work, your independence and your day-to-day life.

If someone else’s actions may have caused the accident, specialist legal advice can help you understand your options and whether you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim.

An experienced personal injury solicitor can investigate the circumstances of the accident, obtain relevant evidence and help ensure that any claim takes account of the full impact the injury has had on your life.

This article is intended as general information only and is not a substitute for legal or medical advice.