Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries for a motorcyclist and others involved. In the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle crash in Arizona, there are various steps that individuals can take to help ensure their own well-being and that they are able to recover the compensation they are entitled to.
In the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident in Arizona, you need to make sure that you are safe. You need to get to the median or the shoulder of the road and be well away from traffic. If you cannot move your motorcycle, leave it where it is.
Your health and well-being is the priority, and you need to check yourself for injuries. Please understand that even if you do not feel any pain right away, this does not mean that there are no injuries. The signs symptoms of some motorcycle accident injuries may not appear until hours or days after the incident. You need to seek medical care as soon as possible. Not only does this ensure that any injuries are properly cared for, but it also shows a clear link between the motorcycle accident and any potential injuries you develop later on.
Police officers need to come to the scene of just about any vehicle accident that occurs in Arizona, including motorcycle accidents. Call 911 and let the dispatchers know where the accident occurred and whether or not you think there are any injuries. The police will come to the scene and conduct an initial investigation and fill out an accident report. You will need this accident report for your insurance claim.
If it is safe to do so at the scene of the accident and if your injuries are not severe, you can begin the evidence-gathering process. This can include using your phone to take photographs of vehicle damage, injuries, debris around the scene, weather conditions, traffic patterns, and more. You can also take a video that shows the overall scene.
We encourage you to gather the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses. This includes those who were not involved in the crash but stopped as well as any individuals in other vehicles that may have been involved. You need to get the name and insurance information of any drivers involved in the actual incident.
You should reach out to your insurance carrier as soon as possible. Insurance carriers typically have quick reporting deadlines, usually within a day or two after the accident occurs. When you make your initial report with your insurance carrier, do not go into much detail. All they need to know is that the accident occurred, where it occurred, the names of other individuals involved, and that you are seeking medical care.
We encourage you to reach out to a skilled attorney as soon as possible. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Tempe can get involved and conduct a full investigation into the incident. They will be your advocate and handle all communications with other parties on your behalf. This includes negotiations with aggressive insurance carriers to recover compensation for your claim.
You must continue all medical treatment recommended by a doctor until they say you no longer need to do so. If you discontinue care, this could be taken as a sign by the insurance carriers or the other parties that you have not sustained the injuries you have claimed.
John Torgenson is a highly experienced personal injury lawyer with over 20 years of practice in Arizona. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and his Juris Doctor from Notre Dame. John has a proven track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements, including an $8.25 million recovery for a gunshot injury victim. His expertise has earned him AVVO ratings and recognition as a Super Lawyer.
John is also a sought-after lecturer on personal injury law, sharing his extensive knowledge with peers and aspiring attorneys. Beyond his legal practice, John is an avid golfer and actively supports organizations like the Military Assistance Mission, Arizona School for the Arts, Page Balloon Regatta, University of Arizona Foundation, Junior Achievement of Arizona, and the Tim Huff Pro Bono Golf Classic.
Passionate about advocating for injury victims, John dedicates his career to battling insurance companies and corporate interests, ensuring that the rights of those who are hurt are vigorously defended.
