A motorcycle accident can be a serious matter. In Missouri alone, over 81% of motorcycle accidents reported resulted in injury or death in 2022. That number is only increasing. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in Missouri, you might be wondering what steps you should take afterward. From dealing with injuries to handling the legal aspects of an accident, these are the steps you should take to protect your health and legal rights after a motorcycle accident.
Seek Medical Attention
Your health and safety is more important than anything, especially after a motorcycle accident. Before anything else, you should seek medical attention for any injuries. Just because you feel okay after an accident doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t see a doctor, though; not all motorcycle accident injuries are apparent immediately and can be serious. Be sure to document your injuries as well as all doctor’s visits and costs associated.
Contact the Police
Motorcycle accidents can vary greatly in severity. No matter how minor or serious, you should always contact the police and file a report. In fact, it’s against the law in Missouri to fail to report an accident under certain circumstances, so you should always dial 911 at the scene of the accident. An official police report can help you in the future as you deal with insurance or any legal proceedings. Don’t forget to ask for a copy of the report for yourself.
Document
Writing down or recording the details of the accident as soon as it happens is the best way to keep the facts straight. It also helps to ask for witness information; get the names, phone numbers, or other contact information of any witnesses you can. They’ll be able to back up what happened and give that information to an attorney. Gather any evidence, like photos of your motorcycle and any other vehicles involved in the accident, and keep backups of all documentation. If you’re seriously injured or otherwise unable to write everything down in the moment, don’t worry. Write down as many details as soon as you’re able and keep a copy.
Notify Insurance
Both the police report and your documented evidence will come in handy when it’s time to report the motorcycle accident to your insurance company. In order to get the most fair payout, you can leave the communication to an attorney experienced in Missouri motorcycle accidents. Missouri requires motorcyclists to pay for uninsured motorists coverage, so
Contact Dreyer & Tinney for a FREE CONSULTATION
Were you injured in a motorcycle accident in the state of Missouri? Having a personal injury attorney on your side can ensure your rights are protected and help you navigate the process with less stress. The personal injury attorneys at Dreyer & Tinney are here to help you protect your rights. We have over 30 years of experience fighting for our Missouri clients after a motorcycle injury, and we’re ready to be here for you too. Contact Dreyer & Tinney today for your free consultation and to learn how we can help you after a motorcycle accident.
If you follow the steps above, we’re ready to fight on your behalf to receive the compensation that you deserve. You don’t have to go it alone when you have experienced attorneys on your side.