With a year-round temperate climate, motorcycles and mopeds are common, enjoyable modes of transportation in Arizona. Unfortunately, motorcycle and moped accidents happen every day as many larger vehicles don't often look before turning, merging, changing lanes or making stops. Motorcycle accidents can cause extensive injuries and expensive damage to your property, and can have long term, lasting effects for years.

Though it may be challenging or chaotic at the time of the accident, in order to recover the maximum amount in damages, managing and documenting the incident and its aftermath is extremely important. 

Our Tucson, Arizona personal injury attorneys have decades of experience helping injured Arizonans and strongly encourage you to take the following steps after a motorcycle accident, crash or collision:

1. Seek medical attention immediately following your accident

Even if you don't feel pain or notice a direct injury, it's still smart to see a medical professional. Adrenaline, shock, and confusion from the motorcycle can mask injuries that hide under the surface. Not seeking medical attention after a serious accident is not only a health risk, but it can hurt your chances of receiving full compensation for your claim. Without proper medical treatment for your injuries, insurance companies will assume these injuries don't exist. 

2. Exchange information with anyone involved in the crash

Once everyone is safely out of the roadway and out of immediate danger, do your best to politely gather important information from anyone involved in the crash. If possible, try and get their:

• Names
• Addresses
• Phone numbers
• Insurance information
• Car makes and models
• License numbers for all drivers
• Plus a description of any vehicles involved in the accident 
• Photos and videos of the motorcycle accident aftermath

3. Take notes of your surroundings, your vehicle, and the accident scene itself

If possible, try to take notice of important information about the accident and surrounding area, including: 

• The location of the accident
• Road conditions
• Speed limits
• Weather conditions
• Lighting
• The direction the vehicles involved were traveling
• Key points of interests
• Intersections and mile markers

Mental notes sometimes aren't enough and can become skewed over time and with stress levels. Photos and videos are more reliable ways to document the motorcycle accident.

4. If possible, try to interview everyone who may have witnessed the accident

Eyewitnesses to a motorcycle accident are extremely important and can play a significant role in winning your claim. If you can, speak to everyone who witnessed the accident or may have watched the crash happen, and record their info and observations on your phone or by writing it down while the incident is top of mind.

5. Do not apologize, make a statement, admit fault, or accept insurance company offers before speaking with a lawyer

This is one of the most important tips. Often, the exact cause of a crash is unclear immediately after a motorcycle accident and anything said, even polite reactions, may impact your claim. Be careful what you say, including “I'm sorry”, as certain statements at the accident scene can have serious legal consequences down the road. 

Even if you think you're being helpful or feeling a wide range of emotions, your words could be used against you. Insurance companies also have their best interest in mind and may offer you way less than what you deserve.

6. As soon as you can, speak with our firm - Tucson's best personal injury lawyers

If you've been injured or impacted by a motorcycle accident due to someone else's negligence you deserve financial restitution for injuries, medical bills, trauma, disabilities, and damages, including future medical treatments, lost wages, and more. 

The motorcycle accident experts at Schmidt, Sethi & Akmajian are among the top personal injury attorneys in Arizona. For 40+ years we've successfully represented those who have been seriously hurt or injured in motorcycle accidents, crashes, and collisions.

If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt by a motorcycle accident, you need the best legal team behind you every step of the way. AZ Injury Law is always by your side and on your side. Call (520) 790-5600 for a free consultation regarding your motorcycle crash.