When a loved one is involved in a fatal motorcycle crash, feeling overwhelmed with grief is normal. Even though motorcycles make up only 3% of all registered vehicles and 0.6% of all vehicle miles traveled in the United States, motorcyclists accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities, 18% of all occupant fatalities, and 4% of all occupant injuries in 2020. Several essential steps must be taken immediately after an accident to ensure the safety and well-being of those involved. In this blog post, we explore the immediate steps you should take if someone you care about has been fatally injured in a motorcycle accident, so you can begin coping with what has happened and processing your feelings while ensuring all necessary resources are obtained on time.
Call 911 and the police to report the crash
After a fatal motorcycle crash, it is essential to call 911 and the police as soon as possible. Emergency medical personnel may be able to provide life-saving treatment if one of the riders involved in the crash is still living, while the police will help secure and preserve the accident scene. Other important information that should be provided includes any need for fire crews, hazardous materials teams, or other specialized resources. It is also important to provide first responders with details about the location of the crash and what vehicles were involved so they can arrive immediately to carry out essential procedures and provide medical assistance. By immediately calling 911 and reporting a crash, first responders can arrive on the scene with timely information to help save lives.
Get medical attention for anyone injured in the crash
In the event of a fatal motorcycle crash, it is essential to prioritize obtaining medical attention for anyone who was injured. Even if the crash resulted in fatal injury, emergency personnel should be called as soon as possible to assess any casualties and provide first aid. Once emergency services arrive at the scene, they can adequately tend to those affected by the crash and ensure that everyone is safe and supported. Taking these steps is critical in order to prevent further damage or loss of life after a fatal motorcycle crash.
Document evidence, including taking photos of the accident site and making a list of witnesses
Immediately following a fatal motorcycle crash, protecting and adequately documenting evidence at the accident site is essential. Accident scene photos can later play a critical role in piecing together what happened, so ensure no important details are overlooked. Also, be sure to record the personal information and contact details of any witnesses to the accident – their accounts can often provide invaluable insight into how the events of the crash unfolded. Taking such steps within moments of an accident helps secure and preserve vital evidence for subsequent investigation.
Secure any necessary records, such as driver’s license numbers or insurance information of those involved
Following a fatal motorcycle crash, those at the scene need to secure any crucial information. This includes gathering the driver’s license numbers and insurance information of all involved in the incident. When collecting this information, make sure to store it in a safe place, as it may be needed for legal proceedings in the future. Doing so will provide peace of mind amidst a complex and confusing situation.
Contact an experienced motorcycle crash attorney to help you navigate your legal options
The fallout can be overwhelming when involved in a motorcycle crash that results in death. Taking the proper steps is critical to safeguarding your rights and interests. One of the most important considerations is to contact an experienced motorcycle crash attorney to help you navigate your legal options. Motorcycle attorneys are well-versed in motorcyclist laws, like helmet laws or lane splitting regulations, and can provide informed guidance for holding those responsible for the crash accountable. An experienced attorney also has experience in dealing with insurance providers and handling court proceedings; they could also assist you with seeking appropriate compensation if warranted. In these tumultuous times, taking measures that protect you and your loved one’s interests is essential – consulting with a specialized motorcycle crash attorney is one such action you should consider taking without delay.
Stay updated with local news sources or contact witnesses for any new information about the crash that may be released
Staying updated with the news is a vital step after a fatal motorcycle crash. Local newspapers, radio stations, and other media outlets may have information that could be key to understanding what caused the crash. Additionally, it may be beneficial to reach out to witnesses or those familiar with the incident in case they have any new or additional information. With so much information available, from press releases to third-party accounts or even public records related to the accident, utilizing all sources of potentially applicable information is vital for staying up-to-date on the latest developments concerning the crash.
Concluding thoughts
Taking adequate measures after a fatal motorcycle crash can make all the difference. From responding to an emergency to staying updated with news sources, taking the necessary actions and directing your focus to protect your legal interests is essential. Your priority should always be calling 911, closely followed by getting medical help for anyone involved and obtaining any available records of evidence concerning the incident. With our tips, reaching out to an experienced attorney as soon as possible gives you a greater chance of successfully navigating this traumatic experience with peace of mind. There will undoubtedly be grief throughout this process, but having the best information on hand during the initial steps is valuable. It is also essential for accident victims and their families to be aware of their rights under the law in such a situation. As much upheaval as emotional impacts from such an event can cause, ensuring you are legally protected is necessary.
