We can’t plan an accident; however, we should have a plan for what to do if we are involved or witness an accident.
Somethings you can do before:
- Add MAG Legal to your contacts now. 0800 0467 237 or email: info@maglegal.co.uk
- Take detailed photos of your motorcycle’s condition– keep them as a record.
- Are you paying for legal cover with your insurance… ask yourself why… MAG Legal covers you.
Having a plan will help us to stay calm and cope with the worst, so we can get the best from what has happened.
What to do if you are directly involved in an accident:
You should remain still initially, provided you are not in traffic or at further risk. Carefully check yourself for any signs of injuries. Do not remove your helmet if you have numbness in your limbs, wait for professional medical help. If available, ask witnesses to phone the emergency services if your injuries require medical help from paramedics. Being open and honest about discomfort is important. Not disclosing discomfort may deny vital care. Shock often masks pain or hides medical difficulty, so being checked out by a qualified medical responder is recommended after any impact. Remember; Shock can be delayed. If you are involved crash, make sure you keep talking as this can help to continue the assessment until professional help arrives.
Photo by Jordan Brierley on Unsplash
You should always phone the police immediately if:
- The other driver leaves or attempts to leave the scene without giving any details.
- You suspect that the other driver doesn’t have any insurance.
- You suspect that the other driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- You suspect that the other driver caused the collision deliberately
Photos, Information & Witnesses
- If the scene is safe, and you feel able to, take pictures on your phone, or ask a witness for help. Take as many photos as you can detailing the vehicles and their positions plus damage to them. Number plates and wide-angle shots to show where the accident occurred. We rely upon evidence. Good photographic or video capture of time, place, and road position, can be vital after the accident.
- Witness statements are vital too. Never forget your welfare while doing this, you may need to network for help and instruct others at the scene:
- Names, phone numbers, and email addresses of all witnesses
- All license plate numbers of vehicles involved.
- Name and badge number of the police officers
- The exact time and date of the accident
- Driving conditions: These include the conditions and quality of the road, current weather conditions, and lighting conditions. Was there anything on the road, for example, petrol or disease spills, mud etc?
- What damage occurred to each vehicle: Try to note what damage occurred on each vehicle, for example, the wing mirror and so forth. Photographs will usually help with this.
- Record any injuries: These can be your injuries, the driver’s injuries as well as any injuries to pedestrians. This evidence can be critical if you make a compensation claim for your personal injuries later on.
- On-bike camera footage or the Dash-Cam footage from other vehicles is highly valuable. Request email addresses and make copies of any video material relevant to the crash.
- CCTV: Did you notice any CCTV in the area that could be used as evidence? Make a note of any visible in the area.
Stay Calm
Staying calm is so difficult in the immediate aftermath of an accident. This applies whether it is your fault or another road users. Try to accept the situation and not get involved with blame or anger either way. This will be far better dealt with by the police or the legal team. Your welfare is the priority and becoming involved in a dispute at this stage might affect your future welfare in being able to recover losses.
Take time and stay at the scene.
Remain at the scene until all details have been exchanged, and all evidence has been gathered. If the emergency services are there, remain until you are invited to go. The Police will need you there to talk to. If you are injured, follow the instructions given by the medical staff. Always be very sure you are being understood fully with any discomfort or doubts you have about your welfare.
NEXT
Once the accident scene is behind you, it’s time to notify your insurance. You can inform them you are a member of MAG, and that you would like MAG Legal to advise you on the claim. We can assess the best choice with you, based on a FREE conversation.
Contact MAG Legal: 0800 0467 237 or email: info@maglegal.co.uk
(Mag Legal and Mag Legacy are trading styles of Smooth Law Limited. ) Smooth Law Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority (SRA no. 619610)