In the moments after a motorcycle accident, the scene is chaotic and people may be injured, including yourself. You may be in a state of shock and confusion that makes it difficult to gather your thoughts. Nevertheless, your actions after a crash can have great bearing on your health and safety as well as on your ability to recover damages.

According motorcycle safety authorities, these are the most important steps you should take at a motorcycle accident scene:

• Move to safety — If you are able, do your best to get out of harm’s way as quickly as possible. Getting out of the roadway and away from traffic helps avoid further injuries.
• Keep your protective gear on — Adrenaline may mask your pain and make you think you aren’t too badly injured, which might lead you to try to take off your helmet or other protective wear, possibly making the injuries worse. It’s better to wait for paramedics to arrive and remove the gear for you.
• Call 911 — An emergency call should be made whenever the crash results in injuries. The dispatcher will send police, medical and any other necessary responders to the scene.
• Gather evidence — If you are physically able and your phone is functioning, take pictures and/or video clips of the accident scene. Try to get photos of the vehicles involved, the intersection, the roadway, traffic signs and signals and the surrounding area. If witnesses are present, ask them for their names and contact information as well.
• Seek medical care — Visit a doctor as soon as possible after the crash, even if you don’t think you are badly injured. Some injuries manifest themselves hours or even days later. Going to the doctor for diagnosis and treatment also helps document your injuries for any insurance or personal injury claim.
• Call a lawyer — It takes an experienced auto accident attorney to make sure your rights to insurance benefits and possible money damages are protected. A good lawyer will investigate the accident scene, determine potential liability, review your medical records and explain your legal options.
• Get a copy of the police report — Police reports are primary sources of information for insurance claims and lawsuits. You or your lawyer should call the department that responded to the crash and obtain the report.

Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. has a strong background in handling motorcycle crash cases throughout Connecticut. Our lawyers provide a free initial consultation and we get a fee only if we recover compensation for you. Call 203-745-0942 or contact us online to speak with a member of team in Hamden or East Haven.