Motorcycle accidents are amongst the most dangerous of any crashes. On average, there is a staggering 80% rate of injury or mortality when it comes to motorcycle accidents. In a car, the same percentage drops to 20%, highlighting the significant danger levels. Hence if you are a motorcycle rider, you must follow safety protocols like adhering to traffic laws and wearing all the appropriate protective gear.
Still, an accident is given the name because it happens without warning. In case you get into a crash while riding your motorcycle, knowing what to do can save your life and mitigate unnecessary financial damages. Therefore, motorcyclists must read up on the resources and guidelines that educate them about steps to take after getting into an accident. Ensuring your own health and safety, as well as that of others, is paramount.
Here are some of the things you need to do if, unfortunately, you get into a motorcycle accident.
1. Ensure your safety by moving away from the crash site
Vehicles of all kinds have fuel onboard together with components that heat up after constant usage. It’s not just emergency personnel, but also your motorcycle accident lawyer that will advise you that the first step after getting in a crash is to move away from the site at the earliest. A potential fuel leak resulting from the crash in combination with a hot engine or exhaust pipe can spark a fire. At times, the components combust so rapidly that there isn’t enough time to react. The best way to avoid burning yourself is to clear as soon as possible.
Even when there aren’t chances of a fire breaking out, getting away from the crash site is important, especially if the accident happens on a busy road. Other vehicles coming at speed present a significant danger of causing further injuries. The next steps on the post-accident checklist can be taken care of from the safety of the roadside. In some cases, motorcyclists become entangled with their vehicles after a crash. Make sure that you seek help to get free and move to safety.
2. Get in touch with emergency services
After a motorcycle crash, guaranteeing personal safety is paramount. This is why the first step is to move away from the site of the accident. Once this is done, assess your physical condition. Any and all injuries that come from the crash can take some time to present the sensation of pain. This duration is longer for internal injuries. If others haven’t, and you are in a position to do so, call your nearest emergency services. In these cases, it pays dividends to have emergency contacts on your speed dial.
Moreover, don’t remove your protective gear in a hurry while waiting for the emergency service personnel to arrive. For instance, the first instinct you may have is to remove your helmet right after a crash. Doing this right after the accident can result in spasms or other serious injuries in your neck or head. Similarly, pulling off your jacket with force can aggravate any outer injuries that might have come from the crash.
3. If in a position, draw a mental roadmap of the situation
This can be a conditional step depending on your physical shape after the accident. In case you are in sound shape and conscious, start drawing a mental picture of the situation. This is a factor that can help you judge your own mental condition as well. A sense of dizziness, vomiting or a change in mental state can signal internal injuries. Also, physical trembling or confusion are signs of internal injuries that you might have from the crash.
The reason you need to perform a mental analysis is to know what your condition is. It also allows you to get things in order, like taking the next steps. Whether you need to inform a family member or call the insurance company or legal representative, you will have to act swiftly in response to the accident. As you sit on the pavement, close to the crash, and wait for emergency services, get these steps done promptly.
4. Pick up any things that might serve as evidence
In order for your insurance provider to process successfully, you’ll need evidence. This procedure of evidence collection needs to begin at the site of the crash. In case you were hit by a speeding driver running a red light, get a picture or write down their vehicle’s registration number. Depending on your physical condition, you’ll also need to pick up any other remnants that can prove your case to the authorities. Since motorcycle accident lawyers and insurance companies insist on evidence, your presence of mind will come in handy.
Moreover, it’s not just about collecting evidence at the crash site. Make sure that you continue to compile every piece of document henceforth. These include proof of internal and external injuries, treatment procedures and bills, drug prescriptions, and any rehabilitation costs, where applicable. These statements together will help you make a strong case before a jury and your insurance provider.
5. Consult your legal representative
Every person must have legal representation on stand-by. It has been seen that a number of times, motorcycle riders are not at fault in a crash. Rash and inattentive drivers can rear or side-end bikers from time to time. In a collision where you are not at fault, a legal representative you know can make things much easier and hassle-free for you. This is because lawyers know the relevant laws and can help you collect appropriate reimbursements from your insurance company and the service provider of the person at fault.
Conclusion
Getting in a motorcycle accident must be the last thing to happen to anyone. However, most of the time, it is not a matter of choice. If a person gets into an accident, they should know the steps to follow after it. Ensuring your own safety and that of other motorists should be a priority. This is done by getting far away from the accident site and helping others do the same. Next is to remove protective gear carefully and contact emergency services, your lawyer, and the insurance company respectively.
