A car runs a red light in front of you, and your motorcycle strikes the rear corner of the car. Both of you come to a halt with a screech of tires and metal on pavement. Then, before you can pick yourself up, the other driver guns it and disappears around the corner.
Now what? How do you handle something like this?
First off, it is important to make sure that you and any passengers are all right. Then, if you can, move the bike out of traffic. Stay at the crash site. Find a safe location and get in touch with the authorities. If anyone got injured in the crash, call 911 so that professional rescue workers can respond.
After that, make a running list of everything you remember about the accident. Key facts include:
- Which streets both vehicles were on
- Which way both of you were driving
- The make and model of the vehicle that ran the red light
- Other distinguishing characteristics such as that car’s age, its color or whether or not it had bumper stickers
- The time of the crash
- The license plate number, if you had time to look. Even just a few numbers or letters can help
- Anything you remember about that driver
- Who witnessed the crash. Talk to witnesses, get their statements and get their contact information.
As you write this down, go around the scene and take pictures with your phone. You may even want to do this before moving the motorcycle. It gives you photographic proof of the damage, the location and more.
After an accident, you could find yourself facing high medical bills, lost wages and many other costs. Make sure you know how to seek financial compensation.