In any motorcycle accident case, there are two issues: liability and damages. Insurance companies will defend cases vigorously. Therefore, riders who are seriously injured in motorcycle accidents should speak to a trusted, knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Click here for more information about what to expect in a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident lawsuit case.
In the meantime, here are some steps an injured rider can take:
1. Seek Medical Care
Oftentimes, especially with back injuries, symptoms might not appear immediately. It may take a day or more for the symptoms to appear. Riders should seek appropriate medical care, including emergency care and/or follow up visits with their family doctors, specialists, therapists, etc.
2. Locate Eyewitnesses
People who witness car or motorcycle accidents are often willing to “be a witness.” However, by the time police arrive, which can be several minutes after the accident, such witnesses leave. Therefore, as a matter of course, drivers and riders should always ask for the name and telephone number of eyewitnesses.
Eyewitness testimony can be extremely helpful in cases where a driver denies fault for causing a motorcycle accident. However, finding eyewitnesses can be difficult. Police reports often fail to report the names and contact information of eyewitnesses, even those that remain at the scene.
3. Order a Copy of the 911 Call/Notes of the 911 Operator
One often overlooked way to locate eyewitnesses is through the 911 call. Oftentimes, documents/notes received from the local 911 dispatch office will contain the cell phone number of the person who called 911. Each county/local agency varies in terms of how long 911 call documentation is retained. For example, in Philadelphia, 911 calls are only kept for roughly 30 days. If a driver or rider is injured, he or she should obtain a copy of the 911 call as well as the 911 operator’s notes.
For more information, contact a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania motorcycle accident lawyer.
More Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Legal Articles:
- Three Common Motorcycle Accident Scenarios
- Investigating Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Cases for Liability Beyond the Other Driver
- Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Law – Who Pays for Medical Bills?
Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Law Firm
Schwartz & Blackman handles motorcycle accident cases in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area:
- PA: Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Allentown, Lehigh Valley, Norristown, Philadelphia
- NJ: Atlantic County, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Camden, Cherry Hill, New Jersey shore cities
*This website does not provide legal advice. Every case is unique and it is important to get a qualified, expert legal opinion prior to making any decisions about your case. See the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.
Published: October 8, 2012