What You Need to Do After a San Bernardino Motorcycle Crash

Did you know San Bernardino is second on the list of the highest number of motorcycle fatalities in all of California and third in the highest volume of motorcycle accidents. Since the California Office of Traffic Safety’s 2021 report, to the more recent 2024 motorcycle crash report, San Bernardino has kept its rankings, and the number of fatalities and accidents has only risen. Motorcycle accidents are usually severe and life-changing. The combination of San Bernardino’s busy roads, diverse terrain, and the thrill of riding can unfortunately turn dangerous fast. Adventure-seeking riders are left with severe injuries or worse. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in San Bernardino, it is understandable to be feeling overwhelmed, disoriented, or in pain. But what happens after the crash is going to be critical for your health, safety, and potential personal injury claim.

Knowing the process and steps to take after the collision can not only protect your well-being but also ensure you are in a good position to recoup compensation for any damages or injuries you’ve suffered, especially if it is due to someone else’s negligence. Going through these steps carefully is essential to establishing a path to recovery across all aspects.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if you are fortunate to have only minor injuries after a motorcycle accident, which is rare, you must still seek medical care. Often, after an accident, hormones like adrenaline flood the body to help mask pain so that the body can fight for survival in dire cases, and you may also feel okay or like injuries aren’t so bad because of increased heart rate and trauma. You could easily have apparent injuries as well as some that will manifest in the hours, days, or weeks to come.

For example, a head injury or internal bleeding may not be initially apparent. Getting evaluated for injuries, diagnosed, and treated also ensures that your injury documentation suffices, which will be crucial for insurance claims or possible lawsuits further down the road. Your health should always be a priority, but especially after a motorcycle crash.

Finding the Evidence to Make A Case

If you are able-bodied enough, it is a wise decision to collect as much evidence as you can at the actual scene of the accident. Such evidence can include:

Drive information: Make sure you have a record of the driver’s name, contact details, driver’s license number, and insurance info.

Witness Statements: If there are any individuals who can serve as witnesses to what happened before, during, and after the crash, save their contact information and ask for brief statements about what they saw and their perspective of the accident.

Capturing Digital Evidence: Take pictures of the accident scene, any damage, and your injuries. Try to get the surrounding road conditions at the time of the accident.

If you’re unable to take this type of evidence due to injuries, ask a friend or family member to help you out, or perhaps someone on the scene. Having strong evidence is the key to unlocking a successful claim, filled with the compensation you need and deserve, later on.

Filing A Police Report

Without any doubt, a critical key step following a San Bernardino motorcycle accident is filing a police report. In most cases, the police are called to the scene, and when they arrive, you and other parties will provide them with an honest and accurate account of what happened. Be careful not to admit to any fault or even apologize. Many of us may feel inclined to release a shocked” oh my goodness, I’m sorry this happened” even when we may mean we simply wish this whole mess of an accident had not occurred, it can plant a seed of guilt in the officer’s mind or in the minds of others on the scene within earshot (i.e., who could later serve as witnesses). So keep emotion and opinion out of the conversation as much as possible; just stick to the facts when speaking with the officer. It can be challenging if you are conversing at the scene, but do your best to remain collected.

The officer will compose an official report, which will be imperative to the insurance claim or any legal action. Make sure to ask for a copy of the report or its identification number so you can reference it later. There may still be hope if officers weren’t dispatched to the scene. Contact the police and explain what happened, providing details like the location of the accident, time, and names of parties involved. They may be able to go to the scene and look for evidence, examine any photos, and examine any damage to the vehicles.

Declaring The Collision to Your Insurance Company

Once you’ve taken care of your immediate safety and medical needs, it is time to notify your insurance company. Regardless of whether you were or weren’t at fault, you need to report the accident. When you talk to your insurance provider, stick to the facts and avoid speculating over who’s at fault or the extent of the injuries. The last thing you want is to say something that could be misconstrued and weaponized against you later on. Remember, although the insurance company is there to insure you in these instances, they run as a business, and their bottom line is saving themselves and making as much money as possible. If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, do not engage until you have spoken with a qualified attorney.

Consulting a San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

After a motorcycle accident, one of the most critical steps and the best way to protect yourself and your compensation is to connect with a knowledgeable motorcycle accident lawyer in San Bernardino. The claims process usually has many layers, making it time-consuming and complicated, especially when you have property damage and serious injuries. An attorney will assist you by reviewing the details of your case, helping you understand your options, and working to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

A qualified lawyer will investigate all the circumstances surrounding the accident, as even something that seems minor to you can be instrumental during negotiations. They will also deal with the insurance companies, who often try to settle for less than what you’re entitled to. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, don’t delay reaching out to a San Bernardino motorcycle accident attorney. Contact Moga Law Firm, located at 1010 N Euclid Ave, Upland, CA 91786, at (909) 931-2444 to speak with an experienced California motorcycle accident and personal injury lawyer and schedule your complimentary and confidential consultation today.