No rider is ever truly prepared for the terror of a motorcycle accident. If you suffered injuries in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence in British Columbia, it’s crucial to know what to do to protect your health and your right to seek fair compensation.
Here, the Vancouver motorcycle accident lawyers of Warnett Hallen LLP offer tips on what you should do after a collision.
- Check for injuries and call 911 — Motorcycle accidents frequently cause severe injuries, especially if a motorcyclist or passenger is thrown from the bike. If you’re involved in an accident, check everyone for injuries and call 911 right away. This will bring medical personnel and the police to the accident scene, where an investigation can begin.
- Do not remove your helmet or gear — Head trauma is one of the most common types of injuries in motorcycle accidents, so don’t remove your helmet after a crash. Otherwise, you might risk exacerbating the injury. Keep your other protective gear on as well, as moving too much or trying to remove clothing near the site of a major injury could worsen your condition.
- Gather evidence — If you’re able, collect evidence from the crash site. Get the other driver’s name, insurance information, and the names of any witnesses. Take pictures of your injuries, the damage to any vehicles involved, and the accident scene. All of this information can help your motorcycle accident lawyer tell the story of what happened when you seek compensation.
- See a doctor — If you don’t require immediate medical treatment, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. You need to rule out any internal or undetected injuries.
- Meet with a motorcycle accident lawyer — ICBC will need to be notified of the accident so you can initiate a claim, but get in touch with a lawyer first if possible. If you must report the motorcycle accident due to notification deadlines, keep the report straight and simple. Don’t talk to representatives until you’ve had time to speak to a lawyer.
- Follow all medical advice — Failing to follow your doctor’s orders can end up costing you compensation for your injuries. If you’re not happy with the treatment you’re getting, you can see another doctor, but don’t stop your existing treatment.
- Document your losses — To recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other economic losses in a motorcycle accident, you need proof. Keeping all your medical bills and related documents makes it much easier to substantiate your claim.
- Stay off social media — Anything you say or post on social media could end up coming back to haunt you, so your best bet is not to keep quiet while your case is pending.
Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The Vancouver injury lawyers at Warnett Hallen LLP have decades of combined litigation experience that we are ready to put to work for you. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact our office for a free initial consultation.
*Since May 1, 2021, British Columbia operates under a no-fault insurance system for motor vehicle accidents. Under this system, compensation for injuries and losses is handled through your own insurance provider (typically ICBC) regardless of who is at fault for the accident. Please note that the information on this page may not apply to your accident if it occurred after May 1, 2021. This disclaimer does not constitute legal advice.
