According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, only five percent of drivers are motorcyclists. However, research demonstrates that riders are 27 times more likely to die in accidents than their car-riding counterparts. Whether you’re a rider, a driver, or a passenger, it’s important to know what to do after a motorcycle accident.
Ensure Your Safety
After an accident that occurs while riding your motorcycle, the most important thing to do is to analyze the situation. Are you (or the passenger) in immediate danger? If it’s safe to do so, remove everyone involved from the area and out of traffic lanes. Determine if anyone else was involved in the event and help ensure their safety to the extent possible.
Don’t Take Off Your Gear
After a motorcycle accident, you might be in shock—and the pumping adrenaline may dull the pain from your injuries. Keep this fact in mind and prevent further injury by waiting for medical services to arrive before removing your helmet and protective gear.
Call 911
After you and everyone else involved in the accident have gotten to safety, and before removing protective gear, call 911 and report the accident. Depending on the nature of the event, paramedics and police may come to the accident scene.
Get Medical Attention
Even if you’re not certain about your injuries, it’s best to be examined by a professional after a motorcycle accident. Not all injuries are readily apparent, and in some cases, it takes days, weeks, or even months for the symptoms to appear. If you’re a rider or a passenger in an accident, you’re susceptible to broken bones, internal bleeding, and other damage.
Gather Important Evidence at the Accident Scene
Regardless of the severity of an accident, it’s a good idea to gather crucial evidence immediately afterward. Take pictures, write notes, and get a hard copy of the police report. Work with the other motorist to exchange insurance and contact information.
Consult an Attorney and Notify Your Insurer
When is the right time to speak to an injury attorney? As soon as possible after an accident, make the call. Hiring a local motorcycle accident lawyer may make the difference between a fair settlement and an unfair one.
In many cases, insurance companies offer the lowest possible amount, but an accident lawyer will negotiate with the insurer on your behalf. No matter who calls the insurance company, it should be done in a timely fashion.
Work With an Accident Attorney
These are the most important steps to take after an accident. Additionally, it’s important to avoid admitting fault—even if you think you were in the wrong or you could have avoided the accident. In summary, you should:
- Seek medical care right away
- Document everything
- Get copies of police and medical reports
- Hire an attorney and file a claim within the statute of limitations
Whether you’ve suffered life-altering or minor injuries, it’s advisable to follow these steps and increase your chances of success by working with a local personal injury attorney. Most firms offer no-obligation consultations for those who would like to discuss their cases. Regardless of the severity of the accident and the resulting injuries, it’s important to work with an experienced attorney when trying to recover for your damages and losses.
