After a motorcycle accident in Washington, your priority should be your safety. Make sure you are out of harm’s way, then report the crash to the police and your insurance company. Even if you feel fine, you should still seek medical attention because you might have injuries with delayed symptoms.
The steps you take right after the collision will influence the value of your claim. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Bellevue will tell you everything you need to know to make informed decisions about your case.
Move to a Safe Location
If you are able to move, get yourself out of the roadway to avoid further danger from passing vehicles. Try to move to the shoulder, a sidewalk, or any safe area nearby. If you cannot move due to injuries, stay where you are and wait for emergency responders.
Turn on your hazard lights or use a flashlight to make yourself more visible, especially in low-light conditions. Don’t stand too close to traffic or stay in a blind spot where other drivers may not see you.
Call the Police to Report the Motorcycle Accident in Washington
The police will create an official accident report, which can be useful for insurance claims and legal matters. Washington law requires reporting accidents that result in injuries, death, or property damage over $1,000.
Officers will document the scene, gather witness statements, and determine if any traffic laws were violated. Their report provides an unbiased account of what happened. Even if the accident seems minor, having a police report can prevent disputes.
Exchange Information With the Other Parties Involved
Exchanging information with the other motorists involved in the crash is essential for insurance claims and legal purposes. If the other driver refuses to share their details, wait for the police to arrive and document the situation.
You should get the other driver’s:
- Name
- Contact details
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Insurance information
Providing your own information is also required by law. This exchange helps ensure that all parties can properly report the accident to their insurance companies.
Gather Evidence at the Motorcycle Accident Scene
Fresh evidence at the motorcycle accident scene will strengthen your claim by providing clear and accurate details about what happened. Write down your own recollection of the accident while the details are still fresh in your mind.
Right after the crash, take photos and videos of the:
- Vehicles
- Road conditions
- Traffic signs
- Skid marks
- Any visible injuries
Witness statements can help support your version of events. If someone saw what happened, ask for their name, phone number, and email address so they can be contacted later if needed.
The sooner you gather evidence, the less likely it is to be lost, changed, or forgotten. Strong evidence can support your insurance claim or legal case, helping to prove fault and secure fair compensation.
Don’t Admit Fault or Make Statements to Others
After a motorcycle accident, you should avoid admitting fault or making statements to others because anything you say could be used against you later. Even if you think you may be responsible, you may not have all the facts, and other factors (such as road conditions, traffic signals, or the other driver’s actions) could have contributed to the crash.
Admitting fault can hurt your chances of receiving fair compensation from insurance companies or in a personal injury case. Instead, stick to the facts when speaking to the police and your insurance company.
Seek Medical Attention
You should seek medical attention after a motorcycle accident even if you feel fine because some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain, making it hard to tell if you are hurt. Injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage may take hours or even days to become noticeable.
Keep records of medical bills and lost wages after a motorcycle accident to prove the financial impact of your injuries. Medical bills show the cost of treatment, including hospital visits, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing care. Lost wage records help demonstrate how much income you missed due to your injuries.
Notify Your Insurance Company After a Motorcycle Accident in Washington
Most insurance policies require prompt reporting of accidents, and delaying could affect your ability to file a claim. When speaking to your insurer, provide basic facts about the accident but avoid admitting fault or speculating on what happened.
The insurance company will review your claim, assess damages, and determine coverage based on your policy. Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, reporting it helps protect your rights and ensures that you receive any benefits you’re entitled to, such as medical coverage or vehicle repairs.
Consult a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Washington
Don’t go through the legal aftermath of a motorcycle accident alone. You can trust our personal injury lawyers to handle all legal aspects of your case while you focus on healing. We will fight to get you the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
At Premier Law Group, our legal team has over 55 years of combined legal experience. We have recovered over $100 million for clients, and we continue to win cases.
Meeting with an attorney should feel like a conversation, not just a consultation. We take the time to listen to your story, understand your concerns, and answer your questions without pressure or obligation. Contact us today to share your experience with our motorcycle accident lawyers in Washington.
Jason at premier law group is truly an outstanding individual. Our particular case was not something that their firm usually sees but they were more than willing to help us and give us all of the information they had available. I can't recommend them enough.