Even the most careful riders can, unfortunately, get into a motorcycle crash. Knowing how to handle yourself in the event of an accident makes all the difference. And, the first steps of action that you take after an accident are the most important.
Are you curious about what you should do after you are involved in an accident? Prepare for the worst, but expect the best from riding. Keep reading for more.
Conduct an Injury Check
Before you do anything else, check yourself for injuries. After an accident, your adrenaline is typically pumping hard which makes it difficult to feel pain right away. Only move if you do not seem to have any serious injuries.
After assessing your injuries, check with the other driver, and if there are passengers to make sure that they are all ok. Even though motorcycle crash prevention is important to you, accidents are often the fault of the other driver if you are a responsible and cautious rider.
Dial 911
If there are bystanders around, chances are that they have already dialed 911. However, if no one else is around, you or the other driver will have to call the emergency services to get the police, ambulance, and possibly fire station there to assess the situation.
Move Vehicles to Safety
If you are not seriously injured, and your motorcycle can be moved out of the road, it is recommended to get out of the way of other vehicles on the road to allow the flow of traffic to continue and prevent any further accidents from happening.
Exchange Information and Collect Evidence
You will need to exchange insurance information with the other driver. Taking a picture of their insurance card and vehicle registration is the best way to get every detail.
You will also want to take pictures of the accident if you can. Taking pictures of the vehicles before you move them off of the road is suggested if it does not put you or the other driver in further danger, if not then take pictures after you move them.
Seek Medical Attention After a Motorcycle Crash
When the ambulance shows up on the scene of the accident, your first instinct may be to refuse medical attention if you do not think that you are seriously injured.
Even if you do not think you have serious injuries, you may have internal damage such as internal bleeding. If you were wearing a helmet thankfully you may have reduced your risk of brain trauma.
If you do not get taken to the hospital in the ambulance, you should go to your GP, and see a chiropractor as soon as possible. Until then, take it easy, and use ice on any areas that hurt. A personal injury attorney would suggest getting checked out if for no other reason, to have on record that you went.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Your motorcycle insurance provider should be contacted as soon as possible to notify them that you have been involved in an accident. They will have you file a claim and ask about the other driver’s insurance information, so make sure that you have that ready to give to them.
Your insurance company may also ask for a copy of the police report which typically takes a few days to get processed. Depending on what the insurance company and police report say, you may want to contact an accident lawyer that specializes in motorcycle accidents. A motorcycle crash attorney will advise you on your legal rights and give advice surrounding the accident.
Being a Responsible Rider
No one can predict a motorcycle crash, but you can take the right steps if you are involved in one- or give advice to other riders. Checking for injuries, getting all the necessary information, and contacting the necessary people afterward will protect you as you move forward with the steps involved post-accident.
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