In his motorcycle blog, local San Diego motorcyclist Dale Franks recently called attention to a new study that the Federal Highway Administration will undertake. It’s the first detailed study made on what causes motorcycle crashes since 1981, and the aim is to improve motorcycle traffic safety.
Whether it’s a motorcycle or car crash, accidents affect us in some way every day. Would you know what to do in the immediate aftermath of a serious car accident or motorcycle accident? Your primary concern is of course your well-being and safety, and that of others involved in the accident. Next, contact the police right away if you’re physically able to. Once police have arrived, you should report any injuries you have to the officer, and the police investigation can also document the scene, take statements, and ensure you don’t get false information from other drivers.
Don’t lose your opportunity to get the basics
Whenever possible and if it’s safe to do so, there are other things you can do to improve your chances of being fairly compensated for your injuries, expenses, and damage to your vehicle. Many people carry cell phones with cameras. If you do, then take many photos of your vehicle and of the other vehicles involved and of any bruising on you or other condition that’s already become visible. Also photograph the full accident scene.
At times some basic information gets overlooked during these tense moments, but the essentials include:
● The other driver’s vehicle license plate number; the vehicle’s make, model, and year
● Insurance information and driver’s license number
● The names, addresses, and phone numbers of the other drivers, passengers, and witnesses
● Ask the other drivers if they own the vehicle. If they don’t, then get the owner’s name, address, and insurance information.
Also try to document the location and position of all vehicles involved before cars are moved. Take notes about the location of any shattered glass, tire marks, and other debris.
Interacting with witnesses
Talk to witnesses who are willing to talk to you and get statements about what they saw and where they were. Throughout it all, never forget to be polite with everyone. Your behavior will come up later. Also bear in mind that the circumstances of the accident need to be fully analyzed, so don’t admit responsibility at the scene. So much can happen in an accident that it’s often unclear who was at fault, or to what extent.
Write down any statements made by others about what caused the accident (e.g. someone admitting to talking on their cell phone), the time it happened, and what the weather and traffic conditions were.
As you’ll learn in Part 2 of this post, there are many other things you can do after you’ve left the accident scene. If you’ve been seriously injured in any type of motorcycle or vehicle accident, sit down with San Diego Law Firm’s experienced accident and personal injury lawyers for an evaluation of your case and call (619) 794-0243.
