What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident with James H. Brown

While motorcycles are a fun and exciting way to get around, they come with inherently more risk than driving a car. Because of their open nature and the speed at which they occur, motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in serious injury for their operators. From the moment you are involved in a motorcycle accident, it can be overwhelming to decide what to do next.

With over 200 years combined experience working with motor vehicle accident victims, James H. Brown and Associates is here to help. Learn about the most important steps to take after a motorcycle accident below, as well as how James H. Brown and Associates can help you attain justice for yourself and your family.

1. Get to Safety

From the moment you’ve stopped moving, you should be analyzing your surroundings and potential threats to your safety. If at all possible, get away from the roadway and clear of any oncoming traffic. If other people involved need help, get them to safety as well, but only if it doesn’t endanger you further.

2. Keep Your Gear On

After an accident, your adrenaline will likely prevent you from feeling the full pain from your injuries. As such, it’s best to keep your helmet and other protective gear on until paramedics arrive to avoid making any potential injuries worse.

3. Seek Medical Attention

Once you’re in a safe place, your next step should be dialing 911 and waiting for police and paramedics to arrive. Once they’re there, let them examine you fully, even if you don’t feel “injured.”

Many severe injuries take days, weeks, or even months to appear; be sure to follow up with your doctor or another medical professional after your accident. Even if you’re not in severe pain, your injuries may still require treatment to avoid long-term consequences. Additionally, many insurance companies claim that individuals who don’t seek treatment right away couldn’t have possibly sustained serious injuries. By getting checked out, you eliminate their chance to make that argument in your settlement claim.

While in care, be sure to describe your injuries in full detail. Your medical provider will document all of your injuries in their records; when you file a claim or pursue legal action, medical records will be an important factor in the amount of compensation you can receive. No detail is too minor. Even minor injuries can affect a claim, especially if they gets worse over time—the more information you and your doctor have on your injury, the better.

4. Document Everything

As noted above, documentation is key when pursuing a claim or settlement after an accident. If you’re involved in an accident, begin gathering information at the scene by taking pictures, writing notes, and getting a copy of the police report.

Afterwards, be sure to keep track of any other damages you may have suffered after your accident. “Damages” can be anything from the damage to your bike, lost days of work, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and other changes to your day-to-day life. Accident claims and settlements can take a long time to be resolved; be sure to continually save receipts and keep a journal documenting any changes or expenses resulting from the accident. No detail is too minor; the more information you have, the more likely you are to receive the compensation you deserve.

5. Seek Legal Advice (Before Talking to Insurance Companies)

As soon as the insurance company (both yours or the other party’s) learns about your accident, they will likely reach out to obtain a statement. Don’t let them pressure you into it before getting legal advice first.

While, in many cases, you can notify your own insurance company that an accident has occurred, accident victims should never speak to another party’s insurance company without consulting with an injury lawyer first. When you seek compensation for your injuries, insurance companies often try to find any excuse to give you less. Far too often, they’ll use information in statements given by accident victims to attempt to hold back the compensation you’re entitled to.

After an accident, contact an injury lawyer as soon as possible for legal counsel. A team of experienced injury lawyers will be able to provide sound advice and tell you the best way to proceed with your case.

Motorcycle Accident Injury Law with James H. Brown

Motor vehicle accident law in Alberta is complicated. Pursuing justice and fair compensation is no easy task, often requiring in-depth skills and experience to secure the funds needed to provide for both short and long-term needs. When your life and livelihood hang in the balance, you need experience on your side.

Since 1993, James H. Brown and Associates has proudly stood up for accident victims’ rights in Alberta and across Western Canada. Our team knows firsthand what it’s like to be seriously injured, and we are proud of our proven record of getting results for our clients.

No two motorcycle accidents are the same; that’s why we offer a full range of services and support for our clients, including:

An award-winning team of injury lawyers with an unrivalled record of success.
Investigation and evidence preservation services, including accident reconstruction and analysis.
Strong relationships with organizations ready to assist with rehabilitation and recovery.
And much more!