Accidents don’t wait for invitations. They come when least expected.
Immediately after a motorcycle accident happens, you will want to take your time, calm down and gather your thoughts. This is a situation that can render you in a state of shock. Whether a veteran rider or a novice, it always pays to be prepared for the worst whenever you ride.
Ensure Your Safety
While it may come as a priority to check on other people after an accident, your safety should be the top priority. If you’re in pain, look to see whether you’re in a position to move or if your injuries are serious. If you’re not seriously injured and can move freely, getting yourself out of harm’s way is crucial. This means moving your motorbike out of the road. However, this does not mean you leave the accident scene.
Keep Your Protective Gear On
Another step to ensure safety is to keep in mind not to remove your protective gear. You could have a severe injury that can worsen when you move around too much. Head and neck injuries are susceptible to even minor motions. Adrenaline might be running through your system, which may cause you not to feel pain. Wait until paramedics evaluate you before deciding to remove your gear.
Call 911
Regardless of the magnitude or severity of the motorcycle accident, it’s always a good idea to call the authorities to the scene. The police will help you document the accident, which your insurance company can use to support your impending insurance claim. Police can also help steer traffic away from the scene and take further notes about what happened.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even when your injuries seem minor, checking in with a doctor can help relieve your worries. In addition, you could have sustained internal injuries that may not be obvious, and a medical examination might be the only way to confirm this. Moreover, a trip to your doctor can help you build your case when filing a motorbike injury claim.
Take Pictures.
The motorcycle accident has occurred, and the damage has already been done. In a situation like this, it’s always good to gather as much evidence as you can. Take pictures at multiple angles that you can provide to your insurance company. Documenting the crash with videos and pictures will carry more weight, mainly when arguing your claim in court.
Contact an Attorney and Your Insurance Company
Failure to notify the insurance company about the accident can sometimes result in a denial of coverage. Contacting a personal injury attorney will help increase your chances of fair compensation. It will also serve to protect your rights when dealing with insurance claims adjusters, some of whom will do anything to keep your compensation at a minimum or deny your claims altogether.
Motorcycle Safety Equipment
Riding a motorcycle can be dangerous. According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic Rider’s Course, every rider should wear a motorcycle helmet, eye protection, motorcycle jackets and gloves, crash protection accessories, long pants, over the ankle footwear with nonslip soles and ear protection.
Bottomline.
Whether you have sustained minor or severe injuries, we encourage you to follow the above tips. They go a long way in steering you on the right path. Set yourself up for success by hiring a qualified personal injury attorney.
For more information about personal injury attorneys, download the free legal guide https://winstonlaw.com/free-legal-guides/.
