Being involved in a traffic collision of any kind is an upsetting experience. This goes double for wrecks which lead to you being thrown off of a motorcycle you were riding at the time of the impact. With that said, it is vital for you to be as calm and proactive as possible in the aftermath of this sort of incident, especially if you want to take effective legal action later on against the person at fault for causing the crash.
If you are in need of emergency medical attention after being involved in a motorcycle wreck, your first and only priority should be getting the professional medical care you need. If you are not seriously injured, though, here are some key things to do after a motorcycle accident in Phoenix, AZ that can protect you and others in the short term as well as strengthen a possible future lawsuit. Work with a dedicated motorcycle accident attorney from our firm to learn more.
Move Away From the Flow of Traffic If Possible
Motorcyclists are legally required to follow the same procedures as commuter car drivers after a traffic collision. This includes moving the affected vehicles to the side of the road and away from oncoming traffic if possible. It is also a good time to call 911 to summon police and emergency services to the scene—another step required under state law to avoid a “hit-and-run” charge.
Get Contact and Insurance Information From Everyone Involved
Another requirement established by state law for people involved in Phoenix, AZ motorcycle accidents is to exchange contact and insurance details with every other person directly involved in the collision. If someone causes a motorcycle accident and then illegally flees the scene afterward, this is the time to write down every identifying detail possible about the hit-and-run driver and their vehicle so police can use that information to hopefully identify and arrest them later.
Take Preliminary Steps to Gather Evidence
Prior to lawfully leaving the scene of a motorcycle accident in Phoenix, AZ, it can be helpful to take a few additional steps, including:
- Getting contact information from witnesses to the crash who were not directly involved in it
- Checking for nearby surveillance, traffic, or dashboard cameras which may have recorded the crash as it happened, and getting contact information for the owners of the camera(s) if possible
- Taking photos of the accident scene, particularly of all damage sustained by the vehicles involved and of nearby traffic patterns and visual obstructions
- Speaking directly with responding police officers and confirming where to get a copy of the report they will create about the accident
These actions will all produce valuable evidence that a skilled attorney can incorporate into a civil claim later on.
Always Seek Professional Medical Care Following a Motorcycle Accident in Phoenix, AZ
Finally, you should always schedule a visit with your primary care physician or go to an urgent care clinic as soon as possible after being involved in a motorcycle wreck, even if you do not need emergency care immediately after the crash occurs. Many motorcycle accident injuries can take several hours or even several days to produce noticeable symptoms, and preemptively seeking treatment can be key to minimizing the long-term damage that those injuries can cause.
If you have further questions about what to do after a motorcycle accident in Phoenix, AZ, a qualified lawyer from Phillips Law Group can provide the answers and information you need. Get in touch with one of our team members today to schedule a free consultation and start working on your case.
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