5 Things to Document When You’re Involved in a Motorcycle Accident

When you’re out for a drive, you might notice that motorcycles are usually vastly outnumbered by cars on the road. But if you dig into accident statistics, you’ll find that motorcycles are involved in a vastly disproportionate number of accidents. There are many factors that contribute to this discrepancy, including speeding, distracted driving, and lack of visibility to other drivers.

But despite the increased risk for accidents for motorcyclists, many riders don’t know the best steps to take in the aftermath of a collision. There is a lot of important documentation that needs to take place, both immediately after an accident and in the long-term.

Here are five things that you should always document after a motorcycle accident:

1. Contact Information for All Involved Parties

The first priority after an accident is to clear the roadway and call for medical help if there are evident serious injuries from anyone involved. As soon as those things have been taken care of, it’s imperative to get certain information from all drivers who were a part of the accident. This information includes:

• Names
• Addresses
• Phone numbers
• Insurance information
• Driver’s license numbers

Getting information from eyewitnesses can also help, as they can provide an unbiased third-party account of what happened to the police or to insurance companies. 

2. Important Information from the Accident Scene

When multiple parties are in a motor vehicle accident, they will often remember things very differently. Insurance companies often have to sort through opposing stories to determine the truth. Visual documentation of the scene often paints a much clearer picture than a simple statement or description, so take photos and/or videos of damage to the vehicles and the surrounding environment if you’re physically able to. 

3. Medical Treatment Records

Cars provide a level of protection to their drivers that motorcycles don’t. This makes motorcyclists much more likely to be injured in a crash. You should always seek medical help immediately after a crash so you that can quantify the ways in which the accident impacted you. 

4. Damage Estimates and Repair Costs

While many cars can withstand a large impact, motorcycles are at a disadvantage because of their smaller size. Your motorcycle will likely need repairs, and you’ll need to be able to prove the cost of your repairs if you want to file a claim for compensation. 

5. Proof of Lost Income

Some motorcycle accidents are so serious that a driver can’t work for a long time afterwards. These injuries can even lead to a permanent disability. Compensation for lost income is an invaluable resource for those who need it. 

What Should You Do with Your Documentation?

In an ideal world, insurance would promptly and adequately compensate you after a motorcycle accident. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen, and legal recourse might be your best chance to be made whole. If you need help after a motorcycle accident in the Portland, OR area or Vancouver, WA, area, contact us to find out more about the support that we can offer.