What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Dallas (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’ve been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in Dallas, you may be entitled to financial compensation under Texas law. While riders are occasionally responsible for their own injuries, many motorcycle accidents are the result of driver negligence and other factors beyond the rider’s control. Keep reading to learn how to seek the financial compensation you deserve from an experienced Dallas motorcycle accident lawyer.

7 Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in Dallas, TX

While you may be entitled to financial compensation for your motorcycle accident, it is up to you to protect your legal rights. If you do nothing, no one will protect your legal rights for you. Conversely, if you are proactive in holding the at-fault party (or parties) accountable, this will help maximize your chances of recovering just compensation as quickly as possible.

With this in mind, if you suffered serious injuries in a Dallas motorcycle accident, you should:

1. Report the Accident to the Police (If the Police Didn’t Respond to the Accident Scene)

If the police responded to the scene of your motorcycle accident, the responding officer should have prepared a report documenting the time and location of the accident, along with other key details. If the police did not respond to the scene, you should report the accident promptly. This will help ensure that there is a formal record of the accident—and this will be important when it comes to fighting for the financial compensation you deserve.

If you are not comfortable contacting the police yourself (or if you aren’t sure how to contact the police or what to say when you call), a Dallas motorcycle accident lawyer at our firm can help. It is critical that you report your motorcycle accident promptly (if necessary), and we are more than happy to help you.

2. Prioritize Your Medical Needs

When you are dealing with serious motorcycle accident-related injuries, it is critical to prioritize your medical needs. You should seek treatment as soon after the accident as possible, and you should strictly follow your doctor’s medical advice going forward (or seek a second opinion, if necessary).

This is important for two key reasons. First and foremost, it will help ensure you recover from your accident-related injuries as quickly and fully as possible. If you are facing permanent consequences, it will help ensure they are no worse than necessary. Second, when it comes to dealing with the insurance companies, being able to show that you have followed your doctor’s advice will help prevent them from blaming you for your medical expenses and any complications.

3. Take Detailed Notes About the Accident and Your Injuries

As soon as possible, you should take detailed notes about the accident and your injuries. It is important to record the details while they are still fresh in your mind. Try to write down everything you can remember about the accident, including:

• Your speed and direction of travel
• The other vehicle’s speed and direction of travel
• The road, traffic, and weather conditions
• Whether there were any traffic signs or signals in the vicinity
• Anything the other driver said after the accident

You should take photos of your injuries as well, and if you have access to your motorcycle, take photos documenting the damage before it is repaired or sent to salvage. The more information you can preserve, the better. With that said, if you do not have access to your motorcycle, that’s okay, and our lawyers can help here as well.

4. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company (But Do Not Give a Recorded Statement)

Even if you have a claim against a negligent driver or another party, you should report the accident to your motorcycle insurance company. This is almost certainly required under the terms of your policy, and you do not want to lose your coverage. However, you should not give a recorded statement. Once you have reported where and when the accident happened, you should let the adjuster know that your lawyer will be handling the remainder of the process.

5. Get in the Habit of Keeping All Accident-Related Documentation

You will receive various types of documentation related to your motorcycle accident and your accident-related injuries. You should keep all of this documentation in a safe place. Some examples of documents you are likely to receive include:

• Medical bills
• Medical records (including X-ray and MRI scans)
• Employment records
• Insurance documentation
• Receipts for medications, medical supplies, and other purchases

These will all be important for establishing your rights and proving your claim for damages, and you will want to provide them to your Dallas motorcycle accident lawyer.

6. Stay Off of Social Media

While it might be tempting to post about your motorcycle accident on social media, you should refrain from doing so. The insurance companies will be watching, and if you post anything they can use against you, they will not hesitate to do so.

7. Hire an Experienced Dallas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Promptly

Finally, you should hire an experienced Dallas motorcycle accident lawyer right away. Securing experienced legal representation will be essential to obtaining the financial compensation you deserve. When you hire a lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will:

• Conduct an on-scene investigation
• Gather evidence of liability through other means
• Calculate just compensation for your present and future losses
• Deal with the insurance companies on your behalf
• Help you make an informed decision about settlement and go to trial if necessary

The sooner you hire a lawyer, the sooner your lawyer can get started on your case—and the more your lawyer will be able to do to help you. Hiring a lawyer costs nothing out-of-pocket in this scenario, and you can start the process by scheduling a free consultation.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Dallas Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today

To schedule a free consultation with an experienced Dallas motorcycle accident lawyer, call 469-209-4242 or contact us online. Once you get in touch, we will arrange for you to speak with one of our experienced lawyers as soon as possible.