The Do’s and Don’ts After a Motorcycle Accident
Did you know that out of over 126 million U.S. households, over 10 million people have at least one motorcycle? And motorcycle accidents are not an unusual occurrence. These accidents can happen because of low visibility, driver distraction, speeding, alcohol use, and other reasons.
No matter how prepared a rider may be for dangerous situations, factors within and beyond your control increase the chance of an accident.
Riding a motorcycle is undoubtedly risky, so it’s vital to know the do’s and don’ts when accidents happen.
- Call the Police and Ambulance Immediately After the Accident
After a motorcycle accident, it is essential to call the Police and ambulance immediately. This will ensure that you get the medical attention you need. Also, the Police will investigate the accident and come up with a police report which you may use later on once you file a claim.
It is also important to exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. It would be best to get their name, address, phone number, and insurance information.
If there are any witnesses to the accident, you should also get their contact information. Do not leave the accident scene until the Police have arrived and have taken a report.
- Don’t Try to Move the Motorcycle or Yourself if You Are Injured
After a motorcycle accident, the first thing you should do is assess your injuries. If you are severely injured, don’t try to move yourself or the motorcycle. This can worsen your injuries and make it more difficult for medical personnel to provide treatment.
Wait for help to arrive and follow their instructions. If you can, move off the road to a safe area. Once you are in a safe place, turn off the motorcycle and try to relax. Take deep breaths and wait for help to arrive.
Don’t move your motorcycle following the accident, as this can compromise the evidence. Though you won’t end up in court, the insurance company will ask for photos of the actual situation or crash the scene and other factors which caused the unfortunate situation.
- Exchange Insurance Information With the Other Driver Involved in the Motorcycle Accident
Take the proper steps to ensure everything is handled correctly. First, exchange insurance information with the other driver. This will help ensure that both parties are protected in case of any damages or injuries.
Be sure to get the contact information of witnesses who may have seen the accident. If possible, take pictures of the accident’s scene and any damage to your motorcycle. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that everything is handled correctly following a motorcycle wreck.
- Don’t Sign Anything at the Scene of the Accident
It is essential to follow specific protocols to ensure you are taken care of both physically and legally. Do not sign anything at the accident scene. This includes any paperwork from the other driver or insurance company, which could inadvertently waive your right to future compensation.
Contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. Discuss with the lawyer your legal options and ensure you are fairly compensated for your injuries.
- See a Doctor as Soon as Possible After the Accident
One of the most important things you can do after a vehicle accident is to see a doctor as soon as possible. Many injuries, especially internal ones, may not be immediately apparent.
A medical professional can help to assess your injuries and give you the best possible treatment. They can also provide you with a medical report which You can use in any potential legal proceedings.
Also, don’t forget to keep track of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and more. These will all be considered when you have a personal injury case and are due for compensation.
- Do Not Post Anything About the Accident on Social Media
Do not post anything about the accident on social media. It is crucial to keep the details of the accident private to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Once you post something on social media, it is there forever. Though you decide to take down your posts, others could have taken screenshots of them. This is why you should not post after a motorcycle accident that caused an injury to any person.
- Don’t Give a Recorded Statement
Though it’s also important to call your insurance company and report the accident, you should avoid giving a recorded statement. The insurance company may try to use your statement against you later.
Also, the recorded statement may negatively affect any claim because most motorists involved in an accident get agitated and may say things differently. This can be used against you in court and can jeopardize your case.
When to Contact a Lawyer
It is essential to follow the right steps so that you can ensure that you will have a successful outcome following a vehicle accident. Being involved in this may cost you expensive losses, especially when you are injured. The pain and suffering that you will have to go through won’t be easy as well.
Moreover, it is important to keep in mind that you cannot rely on any insurance company to give fair compensation especially when you don’t understand your rights. For this reason, you need to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to help you with the legal process and get the compensation that you deserve. You can get more information on finding the right lawyer for your case here.
Be Safe and Secured In Your Driving
There can be so many motorcycle accident attorneys that you can find out there as you start doing your search. But, look for the one who will fight for you and does one’s best to seek justice for you.
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