11 THINGS TO DO AFTER A MOTORCYCLE CRASH FROM A LAWYER

There is nothing quite like the feeling of riding a motorcycle. The open-road driving experience is relaxing and fun until another vehicle stops sharing the road. Unfortunately, the lack of protection for motorcyclists and passengers increases the risk of serious injury in an accident. Although riders have the same rights as other drivers, vehicle drivers often do not see motorcycles, push them, or do not give way. Whatever the reason, no one should suffer serious, life-altering injuries due to someone else’s negligence.

Motorcycle accidents can occur in the blink of an eye. Before you know what happened, you may find yourself lying on the floor, disoriented and confused. It can be a frightening and traumatic experience.

However, while the severity of accidents and injuries vary widely, there are specific steps you should try to take when you or a loved one is injured in a motorcycle accident. Following these steps is important for your health and well-being and your potential legal claim.

TOP 11 THINGS TO DO AFTER A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

1. CHECK YOURSELF FOR INJURIES

Every motorcycle accident is different. However, a serious accident can lead to various injuries. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may face the following medical expenses:

• Spinal cord injury:This type of injury is usually associated with paralysis. Spinal cord injuries often require various medical needs, including wheelchairs for mobility and vehicle modifications also for mobility. In addition, changes to the home may be necessary to accommodate accessibility for people with disabilities. Spinal cord injuries may require the use of an ongoing home care provider.  
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Traumatic brain injury TBI will impact an individual. At a minimum, a head injury disrupts normal brain function, and the more severe the damage, the more therapy, and long-term care your loved one may need.
• Multiple broken bones: The force of impact when a body hits a hard surface can cause several bones to fracture. Breaking or worse, crushing a bone usually requires surgery, a cast, physical therapy, and assistance with personal care.

2. CALL 911 

If an accident causes injury, you should call 911. The driver may try to talk you out of it by offering to cover the damage out of his pocket. However, for your health and potential claim, you should never agree to this, but if you did, you may still have a claim.

3. CONTROL YOUR ANGER

Many riders have a special bond with their motorcycle after investing large sums of money in equipment, accessories, and maintenance. When your special ride is pulled out from under you, it will be damaged like you.

You must control your anger so any witnesses cannot testify to your anger. Losing your temper will only come back to haunt you later as you pursue litigation.

4. LET A DOCTOR EXAMINE YOU FOR INJURIES

Despite your financial situation or whether or not you have insurance, you should always get the medical care needed after an accident. It is not only the best thing you can do for your health, but it also keeps a log of your injuries and a diagnosis.

If you don’t seek medical attention immediately, the driver’s insurance company may claim that your injuries are less serious than they claim. Injuries like traumatic brain injury may not seem serious at first but worsen after a few days. If you wait to see a doctor, you risk developing a wide range of complications. You may also have a harder time seeking fair compensation for your injuries.

If you have no money, many doctors will see you on a lien that will only get paid if you are successful in a lawsuit.

5. EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION WITH THE DRIVER

You need to identify the driver and be able to file a claim with your insurance company after the accident. To do this, you will need to get the driver:

• Last name and first name   
• Contact information   
• Insurance company and policy number  
• License number   
• Vehicle year, make, and model

6. TAKE PICTURES OF THE ACCIDENT SCENE

Accident scenes get cleaned up quickly, but having photos and videos of the background can be extremely helpful in showing the severity of the accident. It can also help explain how the accident happened by pointing to driver negligence as the cause. Take photos of the scene with your phone and get pictures of your motorcycle, the other vehicle, and any damage to signs or other structures along the route.

7. QUESTION OF WITNESSES ABOUT THE SCENE   

In addition to photographic evidence, obtaining statements from witnesses can also help support your claim that the other driver’s negligence caused the accident. Get the contact information for each witness you speak to, as your attorney may need to follow up with them later.

8. PROVIDE A STATEMENT TO THE POLICE

Both at the scene and when you are in the hospital, a police officer will ask you for a statement about the incident. Stay calm and answer the police officers’ questions. Never apologize or admit any degree of responsibility for the accident. It often takes an objective look and investigation to understand what happened. If you bear some or all of the blame for the accident, it may not be easy to recover your compensation.

9. SUBMIT AN INSURANCE CLAIM

The first step in starting damage recovery is to file a claim with your motorcycle insurance company if you have one. Most insurance companies require that you report any incident, even if you are not at fault. Your policy will have specific requirements, but your insurance company can cancel or choose not to renew your policy if you don’t report the accident. Once you call your insurance company, they will move with the offending driver’s insurance company. If you do not have motorcycle insurance, the first order of business will be to report the accident to the company of the driver at fault. Remember that an insurance company is not your friend, especially when you are not the insured. Report the incident, but provide no further information. The carrier will send an expert and an investigator to obtain the information necessary to determine responsibility.

10. FOCUS ON YOUR RECOVERY

Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries that require full treatment and recovery. You need to be able to focus on improving, which is why getting legal support for your request can be so valuable.

11. CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Consulting an attorney is almost always in your best interest when you are seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. While motor vehicle operators often cause motorcycle accidents, other causes include poor road conditions and motorcycle faults. An experienced lawyer will investigate your accident and uncover the relevant facts to support your case and determine liability. The attorney can also handle communication and negotiation with insurance companies and fight for full and fair compensation for injuries and related losses. You can let your attorney handle the inconvenient details of your case as you focus on healing and recovery.

DAMAGE CALCULATION

A personal injury lawyer can help you estimate your future medical bills. Patients with severe and permanent injuries will likely experience more surgery and frequent hospitalizations. In addition to fighting compensation, having legal representation gives you peace of mind. Of course, each case and outcome is different, but with an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side, you can focus on your health.

Unfortunately, many victims of motorcycle accidents do not survive.  According to research, motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die after a collision with a car. Moreover, motorists are at fault in more than 50% of multi-vehicle accidents involving motorcycles.

When someone you love dies from a motorcycle accident involving a reckless driver, you may want to consider filing a wrongful death lawsuit. An injury lawyer can advise you on who should file a claim and how much compensation to seek. Although these type of claims can be complex, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship. Of course, no amount of money can compensate for the loss of a loved one, but compensation can ease the resulting financial burden.

CONCLUSION

A motorcycle accident is a sudden and frightening event. Whether it happens to you or someone you love, life will change for you. 

Reckless drivers are dangerous drivers, and holding them responsible might prevent the same accident from happening to someone else.

Whether you are the driver, passenger, when a motorcycle accident occurs, seek immediate medical assistance and remain calm.