Arizona’s warm climate offers great year-round motorcycle riding opportunities. However, motorcycle riding is not without significant risk. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s annual Motor Vehicle Crash Facts Report, there were 3,165 motorcycle crashes in 2023, with 258 fatalities and 2,571 injuries. When you or a loved one suffers injuries in a motorcycle accident, you need an experienced motorcycle lawyer like Jeff GOULD Law, the Attorney In YOUR Corner, that will advocate for your rights and seek damages for your injuries.
If you are involved in an Arizona motorcycle accident, here are five steps that you should take as soon as possible after the accident occurs:
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1. Ensure Personal Safety
First and foremost, personal safety should be a top priority after an Arizona motorcycle accident. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to remember that adrenaline can mask pain and injuries. If possible, move away from the road to a safe location to prevent further harm. If you cannot move, stay where you are and wait for help.
2. Call 911 for Emergency Medical Care
In many cases, injuries sustained during motorcycle accidents are severe enough that you must depend on other motorists or bystanders to call 911. Regardless of the circumstances, your priority after a motorcycle accident should always be to get the emergency medical care you need. Once initial care has been provided, be sure to follow all recommendations from your care team and keep all appointments. Not only will this document injuries proximately caused by the accident, it will also maximize your chances of a full recovery: following your treatment plan is essential to show that you have mitigated your damages (done nothing to worsen your condition) which will support your claims for injury damages.
3. Report the Accident
The next step is to contact the authorities. Regardless of the accident’s severity, it’s essential to report it to the police. A police report serves as an official 3rd Party, independent, investigative record of the incident, providing neutral 3rd P documentation of fact of loss, liability assessments and party/independent witness statements supporting insurance claims/potential lawsuits. Always request and obtain a copy of the police report to keep for your records. When speaking to the police, stick to the facts, be honest and accurate, avoid speculating about the cause of the accident, and never admit fault. Remember, anything you say can be used in legal proceedings.
You need to report the accident to your insurance company. Reporting an accident is NOT the same as filing an insurance claim (your insurance carrier may deny coverage if you fail to report the accident within the appropriate time frame). If another person or entity is responsible for causing your accident, you will also need to file a claim with their insurance company. Even if that is the case, you may be entitled to additional coverage through your insurance company, so you must still notify them about the accident ASAPafter the accident occurs.
Keep Accurate Records
Keeping accurate records is crucial in the aftermath of an Arizona motorcycle accident. This will help you stay organized and in control of your situation. Create a file documenting your accident, injuries, and changes to your life following the motorcycle accident. The file should contain information about your accident, including the police report, medical records, medical bills, and any documents you receive from your insurance company about medical bill coverage. It should also include documentation from your employer if your injuries require you to take off work, take short or long-term disability benefits, perform light-duty work, or even resign.
Another good practice is to keep a detailed journal related to your injuries. In this journal, you can note the symptoms of your injuries, including your physical, emotional, and mental health symptoms. Also include daily pain levels, any changes to those levels over the course of a day, how treatment helps or fails to help those symptoms, and the impact of your injuries on your family, work, personal relationships, and leisure activities.
5. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer for Assistance
After an Arizona motorcycle accident, the resulting personal injury claims can be complex and time-intensive. Reaching out to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident can be highly beneficial, ensuring proper guidance through every step of your case. Having Jeff GOULD Law, the Attorney In YOUR Corner– involved immediately will give you options and protect your rights and responsibilities to move forward during this challenging time.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident or another type of motor vehicle accident…
Don’t DELAY: Call Jeff GOULD Law, the Attorney In YOUR Corner – TODAY!
DISCLAIMER: The information on this blog/site is not intended to be legal advice. It is for general informational use only. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your situation. Further, this information does not create an attorney-client relationship.