What to Do if You’re Involved in a Motorcycle Accident
Riding a motorcycle is the preferred method of transportation for many people. Unfortunately, crashes involving motorcycles can and do happen. If you find yourself the victim of a motorcycle accident, please follow the tips below on what to do immediately after the incident.
Remain calm. Try to remain calm and steady your breathing. Gather your bearings and take stock of what’s around you and your physical state. Be aware of your surroundings and any witnesses and involved vehicles.
Get to a safe spot. Assuming your accident was on the road, it is crucial to get out of the way of incoming traffic and move to a safe area on the side of the road. If your bike is still functional, guide it towards the side of the road. If the crash is more severe, this may not be possible. Please document the scene of the crash before moving vehicles.
Contact authorities. Call the police and report the crash, so they can come to the scene and make a report.
Seek medical help. If you are in pain or discomfort following a crash it is critically important to seek medical attention. If there are other injured parties, immediately call and request medical assistance from 911 or the responding police officers.
Document the accident. Take numerous photographs of the accident if you can. You’ll want to document any damage to your motorcycle and any other involved vehicles. Make sure you see damage close up and from afar to create a fuller understanding of where and how the crash occurred.
Talk to all involved parties. If another vehicle was involved in your accident, it is critical to get relevant information from the driver. Be sure you ask for their name and contact information, take down their license plate number, and get their insurance information. If there were witnesses to your accident, ask them for a short statement, and be sure to have their contact information in case you need to get in touch with them for your insurance claim.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
An accident on your motorcycle can be scary, and safe driving is your best bet to avoid dangerous outcomes on the road. Here are some tips to stay safe while driving a motorcycle.
Follow traffic laws. While this may seem like a given, accidents involving motorcycles often involve excessive speed and/or unsafe lane switching. Motorcycles may offer more moveability in traffic, but that does not grant riders the right to disobey traffic laws. Maintain the speed limit, signal properly, and avoid unsafe lane switches.
Wear proper gear. It’s been said a million times, but helmets save lives. Always wear a helmet and never think that a short ride does not require extra safety precautions. Besides a helmet, be sure to wear clothing that covers your body in the case of road rash. Lastly, goggles are a must as they prevent debris and bugs from getting into your eyes and obstructing your view of the road.
Be wary of the weather. Inclement weather affects your ride more than cars due to the lower traction of your motorcycle. As such, it is crucial to be aware of the weather any time you intend to ride. If the day’s forecast shows rain or snow, it is best to stay off the road or find other transportation.
Hire a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
In most cases, motorcycle insurance does not include personal injury protection (PIP) – the type of insurance that pays benefits to you if you are injured in an accident. Some insurers do provide this protection, but most do not because motorcycle accidents can cause such severe injuries. That means you’ll need to pay for your medical care through your employer-provided health insurance. That’s why you need an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to advocate for you and get the justice you deserve.
