Motorcyclists are highly vulnerable to the dangers on the road. According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders are 29 times more likely to die in a crash compared to occupants of passenger cars.
It’s because motorcyclists are not protected enough in case a crash occurs. Although wearing a helmet can decrease their chances of sustaining fatal head injuries, the rest of their body is still vulnerable to the dangers on the road. Accidents are unpredictable, and they can happen to anyone. Every day, a motorcycle accident occurs somewhere in the country. No matter how careful some riders are, they still find themselves caught up in a major traffic mishap due to someone else’s negligence.
But what if you were the one injured this time? What should you do next if you were seriously injured in a motorcycle accident?
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Move Away From the Road
After a crash, the first thing you should do after a crash is to safely move away from the road to avoid getting hit by another vehicle. It would be best if you prioritized your safety as other drivers on the road may be unable to avoid you.
After doing that, do not remove your safety gear just yet. Keep them on until the paramedics arrive. This can serve as protection from further injuries.
Call the Emergency Hotline
Call local law enforcement and paramedics. Patiently wait for them at the scene. If you have been seriously injured, try not to move too much to avoid making your injuries worst. Apply first aid if you can.
Once they arrive, let them treat you at the scene. When the police arrive, give them an accurate description of how the accident happened. Don’t include any speculations or guesses in your statement, as this can be taken against you. If there has been property damage that exceeds $500, make sure to file a police report and ask for a copy of it.
Document the Scene and Gather Evidence
Once you’ve been treated and if you can move without feeling too much pain, you can try to document the scene by taking pictures of the damages on your motorcycle, the picture of the other vehicle, and a picture of where the collision occurred. This can serve as evidence when you decide to file for an injury claim.
Collect Contact Information
Once everyone is safe, and the situation has stabilized, you can try gathering the contact information of both the other party involved and the witnesses at the scene.
Make sure that you write down the other party’s full name, contact number, insurance information, and the license plate of their vehicle. As for the witnesses, you can ask for their full name and contact details if you might need their statement in the future for your claim.
If the other party greets you with hostility, you must remain calm and wait for them to simmer down a bit before talking to them again. It’s best to avoid arguing with them to prevent the situation from escalating further. You must never apologize, too, even if it’s just verbal, as they may use this against you in the future and say that you admitted fault.
Go to a Medical Professional and Follow Their Medical Advice
Consulting a doctor after an accident is critical to your well-being. Even if you think your injuries aren’t that bad, there are times where symptoms don’t show up until several hours later. This is why it’s better to consult a doctor and get a thorough examination. Watch out for the following injuries:
- Bone fractures
- Injuries to organs
- Injuries to the spinal cord, such as nerve damage and broken vertebrae
- Head injuries
- Severe lacerations
- Burns
- Amputation of body parts
- Eye injuries
Doctor notes can also be helpful in case insurance companies want to confirm whether your injuries were directly caused by the accident or not. The doctor notes can serve as powerful evidence in case insurance companies want to prove otherwise. Make sure that you also follow their medical advice and do all the required follow-up treatments to help improve the state of your injuries.
Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accidents Injury Lawyer
Although you can technically file your own claim and talk to insurance companies yourself, it’s not advisable. You might still be healing from your injuries, and the added stress that comes from doing all the paperwork may disrupt your healing progress. Aside from that, insurance companies are used to tricking victims into settling for an amount that is less than the actual value of your claim.
If you have an experienced motorcycle accidents injury lawyer by your side, they can serve as a reliable legal guide and tell you how much your claim is worth. They can also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
