What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Sevierville?

Injured motorcycle rider on the ground with helmet off

A motorcycle accident can be a stressful experience. In the critical moments following the crash, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what actions to take. However, what you do next is crucial to ensure your safety, protect your legal rights, and pave the way for a smoother recovery process.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the world of motorcycles, being informed about the proper course of action can make all the difference in the aftermath of an unfortunate accident.

Steps to Take After an Accident on a Motorcycle in Sevierville

Prioritize your safety. The most important thing you can do after a motorcycle accident is to protect yourself from further harm. After the initial collision, motorcyclists remain vulnerable to post-impact dangers, such as inattentive drivers and vehicle explosions or fires. Get yourself out of danger and safely away from the wreckage.
Stay calm. A sudden collision can set loose a range of emotions, from anger to fear to anxiety. It’s common to feel emotionally and mentally overwhelmed after a motorcycle accident. Try your best to stay calm at the accident scene, knowing you will have time to mentally process what occurred later. Focus on your safety and these immediate steps.
Call the authorities. Report even seemingly minor accidents to the police. More severe accidents should be reported to 911. Depending on the nature of the accident, the dispatcher may send emergency medical services (EMS), who can provide immediate medical care as needed. The police will take control of the scene, direct traffic to avoid further collisions and produce a report on the accident. The report will likely include critical information about the accident and can serve as a starting point for your lawyer’s investigation.
Gather evidence. While the police will produce a crash report, you should also collect your own evidence at the scene, if possible. You may notice things the police do not. Write down the names and contact information of everyone involved in the accident and any bystanders who witnessed the accident as it occurred. Take photos and videos of everything pertinent to the accident, including all vehicles involved and the overall scene from multiple angles. Jot down info on the weather, the direction from which each vehicle came, and recollections of what occurred before, during, and immediately after the accident. If you’re too hurt to complete these tasks on your own, don’t worry. Our experienced attorneys can conduct an independent investigation after the fact.
Seek medical attention. See a doctor even if you think your injuries are minor. It may seem unusual but keep your motorcycle gear on until you see a medical professional. Riding gear like helmets, gloves, and boots protect your body. Hastily removing them could worsen an injury.
Follow your doctor’s orders. Your treatment doesn’t end after your emergency care or initial doctor’s visit. Carefully follow your doctor’s treatment plan to the letter. Not only will this improve your prognosis for recovery, but it will also demonstrate to insurers that you’re taking your health seriously and not worsening your injuries.
Consult an attorney. Get in touch with a personal injury lawyer from The Terry Law Firm as soon as you can after the accident. Our attorneys can advise you on your rights, handle all communications with insurance companies, and quantify the full extent of your injuries and accident-related losses. These steps will increase your chances of recovering sufficient compensation for your needs.
Document your recovery. Maintain a file of medical bills and records, prescription and medical equipment costs, and other accident-related expenses. Keep a daily record of your pain levels and physical, emotional, and mental state. Document the cost of your bike’s damage and any wages you lose because of time missed at work. This information will become crucial evidence of economic and non-economic losses.
File an accident report. Tennessee law requires anyone involved in an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,500 ($400 for government property) to file a personal report with the Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Be careful with your words. Be wary of making any statements about the accident, whether on social media or to anyone other than your lawyer. If you get a call from an insurance adjuster asking for your side of the story, tell them to talk to your attorney. Insurance companies will try to use your own words against you to undercut your compensation claim.