What to do After a Motorcycle Accident in the State of Tennessee

By Thomas Greer | April 15, 2014

Some riders never think about what they would do if they were involved in a motorcycle accident. Despite the stories that they see on the news about tragic motorcycle wrecks, they go on thinking that motorcycle accidents are something that only happens to other people. Knowing in advance what you should do in the minutes and hours following a motorcycle accident is important, because motorcycle accidents can happen to even the most skilled and experienced riders.

Another reason that it is a good idea to educate yourself about motorcycle accidents is that if you do happen to be involved in one, it may be difficult to think clearly with everything that is going on around you. If you have read through a list of things to do after an accident at some time prior to the accident, you may be able to recall the tasks from memory and take appropriate action.

If you are able to stand up and move around after your motorcycle accident, check to see whether anyone else needs immediate medical attention. If they do, call for help and administer first aid if you are able to do so safely. Motorcycle crashes may be hard for other motorists to see, especially if they involve only one motorcycle and no other vehicles. If you have flares or some other safe way to direct traffic around the scene of the accident, do so promptly to reduce the danger that you will be hit as you wait for help to arrive.

Gathering information is essential to getting the help that you need after your motorcycle accident. Exchange names, contact information, vehicle information, and insurance information with the other drivers who were involved in the accident. If anyone saw the accident, obtain their contact information as well. When you are exchanging information, do remember that it is in your best interest to stick to the basics. Do not talk about the accident itself, as anything that you say may be misinterpreted or used against you later on.

After you have spoken with the parties who were involved in the accident for long enough to get the information that you need, try to take a few pictures of the accident scene for your records. The insurance companies will do their own investigations, but they may not have your best interest in mind. If you can, jot down some notes about what happened, and draw a diagram if you think that it could help you to remember details of the crash later on.

At some point, you are likely to wonder whether you are free to leave the scene of the accident. If you have helped anyone who needs assistance and done everything that the police have needed you to do, you may leave. After all, you do need to be seen by a doctor soon after the crash, even if you do not require immediate medical attention. You may be injured in a way that is not yet noticeable, and your doctor may be able to find and treat the injury right away instead of waiting until you do hurt. Also, seeing a doctor creates a record of medical treatment which can help you with your claim for damages later on.

If you or someone that you love has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, the experienced Tennessee motorcycle accident attorneys at Bailey & Greer, PLLC want to help you obtain the recovery that you deserve. To learn more, call us at 901-680-9777 to schedule a time to discuss your case.  At Bailey & Greer, PLLC, we are small enough to care, big enough to fight, and experienced enough to win.

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