What Not to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Key Takeaways

• Protect Your Rights: Small mistakes made at the scene or in the following weeks can significantly damage your motorcycle accident claim.
• Avoid Critical Errors: Immediately after a crash, do not leave the scene, admit fault, argue, or move your motorcycle unnecessarily.
• Essential Actions: You must call 911, seek prompt medical attention, and gather evidence (if able).
• Insurance Guardrails: Never give recorded statements or sign documents from insurers without consulting your lawyer. Avoid social media posting.
• Legal Expertise Matters: Attorney D. Michael Mullori, Jr. provides experienced guidance to help you avoid errors, protect your rights, and seek maximum compensation.
• Free Consultation: Available 24/7 at (703) 762-2142 or online.

Motorcycle accidents often leave injured riders shaken, disoriented, and flooded with adrenaline. The stress and confusion of these intense moments can make it difficult to think straight and make sound decisions. However, it is essential to understand that small mistakes at the scene of a crash, or in the days and weeks that follow, can have significant consequences.

While knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident is essential to protecting your rights, it may be even more critical to understand what you should avoid. The single best step you can take is to get help from experienced lawyer D. Michael Mullori, Jr., Attorney at Law, as soon as possible. Our office is conveniently located at 2500 Hunter Place, Suite 102, Woodbridge, VA. We can help!

What Not to Do at a Motorcycle Accident Scene in Virginia

Building a strong motorcycle accident claim requires careful consideration and deliberate action.

Here are a few key things motorcycle accident victims should avoid after a motorcycle crash:

• Do not leave the scene. Never leave the accident site before law enforcement or emergency responders arrive, even after an apparently minor accident. Leaving the scene can not only harm your personal injury claim, but it can also lead to criminal charges.
• Do not admit fault. Many people feel compelled to apologize and take responsibility after a crash. In reality, you do not have the information necessary to assess fault at the scene of an accident. Accepting blame may undermine your personal injury claim.
• Do not argue with the other driver. Emotions run high after a crash, but engaging in arguments can escalate conflict and create evidence that may be used against you later. Stay as calm and polite as possible and avoid all confrontation.
• Do not move your motorcycle unnecessarily. Moving your motorcycle can make it more difficult for accident investigators to accurately assess the cause of the crash. Move it only if it poses an immediate danger to you or anyone else, and if it is safe to move.

Making impulsive decisions is a common reaction to the heightened emotional state a motorcycle accident can trigger. However, these decisions can carry long-term consequences that can be difficult to foresee. Protect yourself by remaining calm, contacting an attorney at D. Michael Mullori, Jr., Attorney at Law, and letting us lead you forward.

What You Should Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Avoiding mistakes after a crash matters, but so does taking the right actions to protect your health and your rights.

Here is what to do after a motorcycle crash:

Call 911

Calling emergency services can help ensure that no one else gets hurt, that the injured receive emergency care, and that the accident is thoroughly documented. The police report can provide key information about the accident that your attorney can use to build your case.

Gather Evidence

If you are able, take photos and videos of vehicle damage, road conditions, accident debris, skid marks, traffic signs and signals, and visible injuries. If there were any witnesses, collect their names and contact information.

Seek Prompt Medical Attention

It is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you think you are unharmed or your injuries are minor. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries do not present symptoms until well after they occur. Not only does prompt treatment protect your health, but seeing a doctor will create vital documentation linking the accident to your injuries.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Remembering what to do and what not to do after a motorcycle accident in Virginia can feel overwhelming. Experienced motorcycle accident attorney Mike Mullori can take control and lead you through the legal process, protecting your rights and helping you avoid critical errors along the way. Contact us as soon as possible for a free consultation

Things to Avoid in Communication and Dealing with Insurance

Insurance companies will likely contact you shortly after the accident. How you handle communications with them can have a significant impact on your claim. Your safest option is always referring them to your lawyer.

However, if you must speak to them, keep the following in mind:

• Stick to the basic facts. Insurance companies know how to get you to say things that will weaken your claim. That is far harder for them to do if you offer no more than the basic facts of the case, avoid speculating about what happened and why, and refer all detailed inquiries to your attorney.
• Do not offer recorded statements. Insurance adjusters often request recorded statements and make it sound like you are obligated to provide one. You are NOT obligated, and you can only harm your case by providing one.
• Avoid posting on social media. Insurers scour social media for evidence to use against you, and it is not always obvious what they might use. Avoid posting anything about the accident online. It is best to avoid posting altogether until the case has been resolved.
• Do not sign documents without attorney review. Insurance documents often include clauses designed to minimize the insurer’s liability. Have your attorney review all paperwork before signing anything.

Understanding Virginia Motorcycle Laws

Riding a motorcycle in Virginia comes with specific legal responsibilities.

Know and obey the following Virginia motorcycle laws to help avoid penalties and protect claims:

• Helmet laws – Virginia requires all riders and passengers to wear a helmet at all times. Riders must also wear a face shield, safety glasses, or goggles unless their bike has safety glass or a windshield.
• Insurance requirements – Virginia mandates minimum liability coverage of $50,000 per person for bodily injury with a maximum of $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage for all motor vehicles. Riders must also carry proof of insurance on their bike at all times.
• Accident reporting obligations – Riders involved in any accident resulting in the injury or death of any person must notify law enforcement of the accident in a timely fashion.

Long-Term Considerations After a Motorcycle Accident

Recovery extends well beyond the immediate aftermath of an accident.

Be sure to do the following to protect your health and your personal injury claim:

• Medical follow-ups – Schedule regular appointments to see your doctor, and keep records of all medical visits, diagnoses, prescriptions, and rehabilitation. Monitor injuries and follow all prescribed treatments at home.
• Physical rehabilitation – Complying with treatment plans accelerates recovery and protects your legal rights. If you fail to follow doctors’ orders, the insurance company may claim that you made your injuries worse by not obeying your doctor.
• Legal follow-ups – Keep your attorney updated on health changes and other impacts of the accident on your daily life. Your lawyer needs to know every detail to recover the maximum compensation you deserve.

Contact D. Michael Mullori, Jr., Attorney at Law, for a Consultation

Attorney D. Michael Mullori, Jr., understands the unique challenges motorcycle riders face with insurance claims after accidents. He offers skilled legal guidance, compassionate support, and aggressive advocacy as you seek justice for your injuries. Mike and his team are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.

Contact us today or call us 24/7 at (703) 762-2142 for your free consultation with an experienced Virginia motorcycle accident attorney.