Robert M. Hammers | March 14, 2025 | Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents happen all too often in Atlanta, Georgia. Although most motorcycle riders are extremely careful, the carelessness of another driver can quickly throw your afternoon cruise into chaos. Unfortunately, many motorcycle accidents result in catastrophic injuries that leave riders suffering for years to come.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, knowing what to do at the scene can go a long way toward protecting your legal rights. Keep reading below to learn what you should do at the scene of a motorcycle wreck.
Stay Calm and Notify the Police
After an accident, your adrenaline is pumping. Your heart is beating quickly, and you might be confused about what to do next. Although it may be difficult, try to remain as calm as possible and get to a safe place off the roadway if you can. You should also try to help others at the scene remain calm as well.
Call 911 and alert the police and emergency personnel of the crash. Georgia law requires that most accidents be reported to the police anyway, and the accident report may be helpful later during the claims process. Try to get the name and badge number of the responding officer, and ask how you can get a copy of the crash report.
Seek Immediate Medical Treatment for Any Injuries
If you are injured in any way, go ahead and seek emergency medical treatment. Do not try to act “tough” and refuse treatment. That could come back to work against you later in the claims process.
Even if you think you feel fine at the scene, it is best to see a doctor after your accident. Some injuries might not be apparent right away, and your adrenaline may be suppressing some of the pain. You might find yourself hurting more and more in the days following the accident.
Even if you refuse treatment at the scene, do not hesitate to seek treatment if you start hurting later. If someone else caused your accident, they should be responsible for your medical bills and expenses.
Exchange Information With Everyone Involved
Getting information from everyone involved will be crucial to determining the available insurance coverage and who has responsibility. The information you should gather includes:
- Full name
- Driver’s license number
- Tag number
- Make, model, and color of all vehicles involved
- Insurance policy information
If anyone is being uncooperative, simply let the police handle it. This type of information should show up on the accident report. Do not get into an altercation after the accident just because someone will not share their information with you.
Take Photos and Gather Evidence
It is a good idea to go ahead and start gathering evidence that can help prove your legal case, especially if someone else caused the accident. Take photos of your injuries as well as the vehicles involved, the crash scene, road signs, and anything else that may be pertinent to proving what happened.
Additionally, you will want to talk to any witnesses who saw the accident. Get their names and contact information as well. They may be needed to testify later about what they saw.
Talk to an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Contact an experienced Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. You may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault driver. You can let your attorney handle your claim while you focus on your physical recovery.
Most motorcycle accident lawyers use contingency fees, so you will not need any upfront money to hire one. You will only owe them attorney’s fees if they win your case and get you compensation. Since they almost always offer free consultations, there is no risk in talking to a lawyer about your case.
Do Not Wait Too Late to Take Action
Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including motorcycle accident claims. This means that you only have two years from the date of your accident to file a claim.
Failure to bring a claim within this timeframe can forever bar you from recovering any compensation. Do not wait too late to seek the help you need after a motorcycle accident in Atlanta. Contact a lawyer today for a free case review.
Contact the Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Today
For more information, contact the Atlanta motorcycle accident law firm of Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation. We have convenient locations in Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Lawrenceville, Mableton, Smyrna, and Roswell.
We serve Fulton County and its surrounding areas:
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Atlanta
201 Joseph E Lowery Blvd NW Suite 312,
Atlanta, GA 30314
Open 24/7
(770) 900-9000
