Motorcycle accidents cause thousands of serious injuries every year. If you are a motorcyclist and you’re injured by a negligent driver in southern California, discuss your options – which may include a personal injury lawsuit – as quickly as possible with a Pasadena attorney experienced in motorcycle accident law. You should know, however, that the actions you take immediately after your motorcycle accident will directly influence your case and the amount of your settlement. Don’t make any of these five common mistakes after a motorcycle accident:

  1. Leaving the scene: It is imperative that you stay on the scene until insurance information has been exchanged and the police have arrived. If you or anyone else is injured, call for medical assistance.
  2. Not calling the police: Always call the police immediately after you’ve summoned medical assistance. You’ll usually need a police report if you file a personal injury claim, and you may need the testimony of the officers as well.
  3. Not obtaining insurance information: Ask the other driver for his or her driver’s license number, car registration information, license plate number, address and telephone number, and insurance documentation. Copy the information accurately, or if you can, take pictures of the documents and license plate with the other driver’s permission. Of course, you’ll have to reciprocate and share your information with the other driver as well.
  4. Not obtaining medical treatment: Even if you do not “feel” injured, have a doctor look at you. Injuries that seem trivial at first can emerge later as major medical problems. If you file a personal injury claim, you’ll need medical documentation right from the start.
  5. Not obtaining an attorney: Next to not obtaining medical treatment, the worst mistake you can make after a motorcycle accident is failing to seek out the counsel of a good personal injury lawyer. If you are injured in any traffic accident in southern California, contact a seasoned personal injury motorcycle accident advocate immediately after obtaining medical treatment.