If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, you may have the right to pursue legal action against the at-fault party.
You need resources to get the care you need and cover your expenses until you can get your life back on track.
An experienced Quad Cities motorcycle accident lawyer can help you pursue justice and fair compensation for your damages.
The outcome of your claim will depend on your injuries and the details of the case.
However, taking a few critical steps after a motorcycle crash can help you and your attorney achieve the best possible results.
What to Do After a Quad Cities Motorcycle Accident
After a crash, your first priorities should be getting to safety and dialing 911.
Taking the following steps will help ensure your well-being and protect your legal rights.
1. Get Emergency Medical Attention
Even if you don’t think you’re injured, request emergency medical technicians at the scene. You’re likely in shock and unable to determine the extent of the damage you sustained.
Plus, your future claim could rest on you seeking immediate medical attention.
2. Safety First
Sit or lie on the ground in a safe place, but do not remove your helmet or any of your gear.
If you sustained any neck or back injuries, trying to remove your gear could cause further damage.
3. Avoid Discussion
It’s best not to discuss the accident with anyone until the police arrive.
No matter what you believe might have happened, never admit fault or express doubt about whether you caused or contributed to the crash.
4. Gather Evidence
If you can—or if someone else on-scene can assist you—collect contact and vehicle information for anyone involved in the crash.
Collect contact information for any witnesses on the scene.
Take pictures, if possible, including the areas surrounding the accident and the vehicles involved.
If you notice any other elements that could help establish fault (e.g., skid marks on the pavement, etc.), photograph those as well.
5. Make a Police Report
Describe the facts to the responding officers as you remember them.
Obtain the name and badge number of the officer making the report and if possible, ask the officer to provide you with the report number.
You will need a copy of the police report later—this will help document your legal claim.
6. Seek Medical Evaluation and Treatment
If the EMTs did not transport you to the hospital, visit the emergency room or urgent care as soon as possible for a full medical evaluation.
Not only will this ensure you get the treatment you need, but the doctor’s files will become a critical part of your motorcycle injury accident claim.
Talk to a Quad Cities Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, you have the right to pursue compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.
For more than three decades, the attorneys at VanDerGinst Law have fought for the rights of injury accident victims.
Our accident lawyers in Iowa and Illinois work tirelessly to protect your legal rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation or to speak to one of our attorneys.
The information contained on this website is presented by VanDerGinst Law P.C. It is not intended nor should it be construed as professional legal advice. The information is general in nature about the Firm, the scope of services we offer, and our community outreach, it is not legal advice. Please contact us by phone, email, mail, or via this website for inquiries. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please contact a personal injury attorney for a consultation regarding your situation. This website is not intended to solicit clients outside the State of Iowa and/or the State of Illinois.