Being involved in a motor vehicle accident is a distressing experience, and if you’ve hit a motorcyclist, it can be even more overwhelming. It’s essential to understand your responsibilities and take the appropriate steps to ensure the well-being of everyone involved. Our friends at David & Philpot, PL are here to discuss what to do if you’ve hit a motorcyclist and how to navigate the aftermath with care and responsibility:
Assess The Situation And Ensure Safety
The first priority after any accident is to assess the situation and ensure the safety of everyone involved. If you’ve hit a motorcyclist, check for injuries and call emergency services immediately if necessary. Move to a safe location if possible to avoid further accidents or injuries. Before exiting your vehicle, be sure that everyone in the vehicle with you feels okay. Check that there is no oncoming traffic before getting out. Then, check on the motorcyclist and help them get clear of traffic if necessary. However, it is best to not move anyone if possible for medical purposes.
Exchange Information
After ensuring everyone’s safety, exchange information with the motorcyclist involved in the accident. This includes names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details. Cooperate with law enforcement officers at the scene and provide any information requested. Take pictures and videos of the scene, important documentation, badge numbers, etc.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if there are no apparent injuries, it’s crucial for both you and the motorcyclist to seek medical attention after an accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not manifest symptoms immediately. By seeking medical attention promptly, you can ensure that any injuries are diagnosed and treated effectively. Keep in mind that even if the cyclist walks away feeling fine, they can revisit the accident before the statutes of limitations runs out if they experience injuries later down the line.
Report The Accident
Depending on the severity of the accident and local laws, you may be required to report the incident to law enforcement or the relevant authorities. Failure to report an accident could result in legal consequences. Be cooperative and provide accurate information when filing a report. It’s best to reach out to emergency services anyways so that way everyone has official documentation of the accident.
Seek Legal Advice
If you’ve hit a motorcyclist, it’s essential to seek legal advice to understand your rights and obligations. Attorneys that specialize in handling motorcycle accident cases can provide expert guidance tailored to your situation; a motorcycle accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected throughout.
Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be a stressful and challenging experience. However, by following these steps and seeking guidance from a motorcycle accident lawyer, you can navigate the aftermath with care and responsibility. Reach out to a personal injury attorney located near you if you or someone you love has been involved in an accident to get started on your case.