How to Deal With A Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycles can be dangerous, and bikers are aware that getting involved in an accident is inevitable. You may not be able to avoid a crash, but you can take all of the necessary precautions that will protect you even if you fall. For instance, wear your helmet, gloves, knees and elbow support, and full-length pants. That way, the impact of the accident may not be fatal.

Despite being cautious, some crashes are horrific and you may get badly injured. That’s why you should keep in mind the following points to know how to act in this situation and after it as well. 

Visit the Emergency Room Immediately

Your safety and physical condition are the first things you should tend to. You should call an ambulance or have someone drive you to the nearest emergency room. Getting checked out is mandatory, even if you are sure that your injuries are not severe because what seems to you as bruises may mean internal hemorrhage.

You may also have a concussion, broken bones, and spinal cord or brain injury. After getting a full assessment, it’s better to either stay overnight under supervision or monitor yourself at home for any new signs or symptoms. 

File a Report

You should be aware of the law of the state you live in because some of them require filing a report after an accident. Even if your country doesn’t obligate you to contact the authorities, you need it to guarantee your rights and that you will receive proper compensation for your suffering.

You should call the police and ask them to write a full report that you can use as proof of the inflicted property and physical damages. It will be highly beneficial when you decide to move forward with your accident claim. 

Gather Evidence

Some accidents will leave you unable to move because of the severity of your injuries. However, in case you are physically able, you should stay at the scene and try to gather as much evidence as you can. You can do that by taking photos of the damage, license plates of anyone involved, and your own injuries as well.

Furthermore, you should talk to the witnesses and ask them to put their signature on the paper or you can leave this part for the professionals because they know how to get people to talk. 

Seek Legal Assistance

The average layman may not be aware of their legal situation following a motorcycle accident. That’s why you should consider seeking legal assistance to help you become better equipped to pursue a claim. The at-fault driver may try to invalidate your case in every way possible. That’s why lawyers at BohnLaw.com recommend seeking an experienced lawyer that knows the ins and out of these kinds of accidents.

Furthermore, they should be able to handle negotiations, be persuasive, and take your case to court if necessary. The goal is to increase your settlement number and get you the compensation that represents the true value of your pain and anguish.

Contact Your Insurance Company

If you have already invested in an insurance policy, it’s time to file a claim. Sometimes there is a time limit to filing one so you need to do it as soon as you can or you can ask your legal representative to do it. Your insurance company may be expecting your visit and may have a number in mind that doesn’t necessarily match the extent of your damages.

That’s why you shouldn’t accept the first offer they give you because after all, insurers have a business that they need to sustain. If you are not well-equipped to negotiate with them, it’s better to leave the situation in your attorney’s hand. 

Learn How to Deal with the Emotional Impact

After settling down and waiting for the results of your claims, you need to tend to your mental health. A motorcycle accident can emotionally cripple you and prevent you from ever riding one again. You may also lose your confidence and suffer from post-traumatic stress.

Feelings of guilt may drown you if another person was involved because you will feel that you may have been responsible. It may not be your fault, but it’s hard to control your feelings when you are traumatized. You should learn how to deal with these emotions and seek professional help. You need to tell yourself that accidents occur and sometimes it’s nobody’s fault. 

A motorcycle accident is one of the most traumatizing and fatal kinds. You should be careful while driving and wear protective gear. If you get involved in a crash, you should keep in mind that the hospital should be the first place to go, and then you can handle the claims you want to file.

It is better to rest following this incident and hire a lawyer to take care of the settlements and deliver the compensation to your doorstep.