Following a motorcycle accident in Washington State, it’s critical that you act quickly to call the police, take notes about the crash, seek medical attention, notify your insurance company, and call an attorney.
1. Call the Police
The very first thing that you should do following a motorcycle accident is it to pull your vehicle over to a safe area of the road. Then, you should call the police. Let the operator know if there are any injuries, and make sure you provide as much information as possible about your location and any potential harm caused. When the police arrive, provide them with as much detail about the accident as possible.
2. Make Mental Notes
While you’re waiting for the police to arrive, it’s a good idea to make mental notes about anything that you can remember. If you have a notepad or smartphone with you, record your thoughts.
Write down any or all of the following.
- What you were doing when the accident happened
- The date and time
- The accident’s location
- Whether or not there were any witnesses
- As much information about the driver as possible (vehicle make and model, driver’s license number, etc.)
- If there were witnesses, get their contact information, as it may come in handy later
3. Seek Medical Attention
If you’ve been injured, you’ll need to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Make sure that you get copies of all your injury reports related to the accident, as these can be essential when filing an accident claim with your insurance company.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
As soon as you’re able, you should notify your insurance company about the accident. Remember, you’re not obligated to answer any questions or sign any documents without an attorney present. What’s more, signing something or giving out certain information can be detrimental to your claim.
Be polite and professional when reporting the motorcycle accident, but don’t apologize or say anything to imply that the crash was your fault. Furthermore, don’t say anything about your injuries being minor or insignificant.
As a note, motorcyclists in Washington State are not required to carry insurance. However, there are many options for motorcycle insurance that a biker can purchase.
5. Call a Washington Motorcycle Accident Attorney
A Washington State motorcycle accident attorney may be key after your accident. An attorney can help you prove the fault of the motorist involved, and understand your insurance policy. If an insurance settlement amount is not enough to fully pay for your damages, the attorneys at Max Meyers Law PLLC can guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim for damages.
RCW 4.16.080 limits the amount of time that you have to file a claim to three years, so it’s important that you call our offices as soon as possible. To ensure that you get the highest compensation amount possible, don’t overlook our services. You can reach us today at 425-399-7000.
