Top 4 Things to Do If You Meet a Motorcycle Accident

Riding a motorcycle requires more caution and care than driving a car. Motorcycle accidents happen quickly and suddenly, usually without any warning, since most often motorcyclists are difficult to see when out of range. Motorcycle accidents can be costly, traumatic, and can cause severe injury. Plus, there most likely will be legal issues involved, including dealing with insurance and taking care of damage.

Things to do after motorcycle accident

Riding a motorcycle requires more caution and care than driving a car. Motorcycle accidents happen quickly and suddenly, usually without any warning, since most often motorcyclists are difficult to see when out of range. Motorcycle accidents can be costly, traumatic, and can cause severe injury. Plus, there most likely will be legal issues involved, including dealing with insurance and taking care of damage.

What you do after an accident can influence the outcome of the whole tragic incident. To avoid any unfortunate repercussions, like being charged as guilty, approach motorcycle accidents with caution and be as informed as you possibly can. After getting yourself and anyone involved to safety, do not leave the scene. It’s best to make sure you are alert on the road. However, if you are ever in this a motorcycle accident, follow these four tips on how to act afterward.

1. Seek medical attention

Your first concern in a motorcycle accident is the health of everyone involved. After the accident, immediately get yourself and any others involved in the incident to safety. If possible, move your bike off the road to avoid any other collisions or accidents. Leaving your bike on the road becomes a hazard to the oncoming traffic, and you may be held responsible if another accident occurs. Avoid any additional hazards, which include gasoline leaks from your motorcycle or from nearby vehicles and vehicles on fire. Stay away from damaged structures or roadside cliffs and bridges.

You should call 911 as soon as possible. Simply by calling and taking responsibility, you most likely will not be held accountable for any injury. If you or any other person involved is obviously injured, make sure that emergency medical personnel transport you or the other person to a nearby hospital. Even if injuries are not visible, never refuse medical treatment. For instance, nerve damage is an injury that cannot be diagnosed right away. Always undergo medical attention and evaluation to ensure possible injuries are immediately diagnosed. Motorcycle injuries can be much more dangerous than injuries from a car accident.

Common injuries

Some common motorcycle injuries are:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Burns and scars
• Spinal cord and skull damage
• Brain and head damage
• Disfigurement of the body
• The TMJ syndrome

A common injury in motorcycle road accidents is the TMJ syndrome (or temporomandibular joint dysfunction). This syndrome is an injury to the teeth or jaw. Medical personnel will most likely prescribe you tmj splints, a mouth guard that holds your jaw to rest and reduces stress on jaw joints. TMJ splints are available at most local pharmacies as well. Musculoskeletal damage is one of the most common afflictions caused by accidents and can be treated with shockwave therapy.

This therapy uses shockwaves to deliver mechanical force to the tissues in the body. Of course, it is best to have a medical professional prescribe what is most suitable for your situation. To avoid injuries when motorcycling, always wear protective gear, including a proper motorcycle helmet, a thick padded jacket, padded pants, and appropriate gloves.

2. Gather information about the accident

Keep notes about your health condition, the condition of the accident, what happened, and who was involved. Include the names, numbers, and email addresses of the people involved, be it the witnesses or other vehicle drivers. By gathering information, you can protect your legal rights and compensation for damages. Take note of vehicle information, such as the model of the vehicles and license plate numbers, as well as insurance company names.

It helps to take pictures of the scene for future reference with insurance or to use in a court case. Documenting the scene works as evidence when providing information to your insurance agent or company. Estimating the damages fairly will help in attaining your rightful compensation. However, do not admit fault to anyone, including your insurance company, as it can be taken into account. Always make sure you have gathered the right facts after speaking to your doctor and mechanic about injuries and damage.

Give your account to police officials when they arrive so that they can record it in their accident report. Also, take note of each officer’s name and badge number. It is important to remain calm throughout and be as helpful as you can. Whatever you do, don’t panic, and don’t admit fault.

3. Call a motorcycle accident attorney

When it comes to receiving compensation, it’s good to know that motorcycle accident negligence is a common issue when accidents occur. Not taking responsibility or failing to adhere to the law can result in further problems. Thus, a motorcycle accident attorney may be needed after an accident. A variety of factors can influence the outcome, and an attorney can help with that. Factors that can influence the situation include:

• Your innocence or guiltiness in the situation
• The other parties involved
• The denial of your claim by your insurance company
• If damages go over the limit of your policy
• Physical injury and other costs

An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you get your rightful compensation for any damages that may have occurred. They can also argue for your case when it comes to your involvement in the accident. They will evaluate the accident, provide advice regarding legal options and help find financial recovery for any of your medical bills, lost wages or other related losses. Initially, they lessen the stress that comes with any damages. Often, attorneys will offer a free consultation regarding your motorcycle accident and injuries.

4. Deal with the damage responsibly

If your motorcycle was heavily damaged in the accident, it helps to file a property damage claim. You will need documentation to secure the funds required to repair or replace your bike. That is why documenting the damage beforehand can help file a claim and improve insurance “turnaround time.” If your bike is completely damaged, or damaged to the point where it will cost more to fix the bike, then it may be time to replace it. Look for a business that specializes in motorcycle sale and repair.

Look for comparable bikes in your area to have an idea on your bike’s worth. Documenting the value of your bike will come in handy when speaking with your insurance company. Additionally, note any recent work, replaced parts, and extra expenses. Include these details and expenses when speaking with your insurance agent to attain proper compensation.

Conclusion

Accidents can be prevented with extra caution and expert knowledge of how to ride a motorcycle. Compared to other vehicles, motorcycles have a much higher fatality rate and are significantly more dangerous to ride. Motorcyclists are often hard to spot on the road. The most dangerous circumstance on the road for motorcyclists happens when cars are making a left-hand turn and a motorbike is driving straight through the intersection.

This almost always results in major collisions between the two vehicles. As a motorcyclist, you should know your limits and level of expertise. Keep to roads you are most comfortable driving on, and be extra cautious on the freeway. Always adhere to the rules of the road, keep to the speed limit, pay attention to your surroundings, and proceed with caution through intersections.