There’s a reason that so many motorcycle riders have been loyal bikers for 10, 20, and 30-plus years: It’s exhilarating! Cycle ownership also offers a big brotherhood through which bikers from all over can instantly bond with one another and connect on a deep level.
But there’s a dark side to riding motorcycles, as well. In terms of safety, there’s a long list of potential risk factors posed by roads, interstates, and highways. If you ever find yourself injured in an accident that involves your motorcycle, it’s crucial for you to know what to do.
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Five Things You Need to Do When You’re Injured in a Motorcycle Accident
Most vehicle collisions are minor fender benders or low-speed crashes. In those cases, drivers and passengers tend to walk away with nothing more than scratches and bruises.
Motorcycle accidents, on the other hand, can be a bit more dangerous. When you have no metal cage to protect you from other vehicles or the asphalt, even a relatively mild collision can have serious ramifications.
The hope is that you’ll never be involved in a motorcycle accident of any kind. But if you are, you ought to know what to do next. We suggest the following.
1. Get Immediate Care
Nothing matters more than getting immediate and appropriate medical care after an accident. If you’re involved in a crash in a busy area where other drivers are present, someone will likely call 911 for you.
If you’re on a less populated street and able to pull out your phone, you should make that call yourself. Once professional medical help arrives, don’t reject treatment because you’re worried about the potential associated cost.
The critical thing is for you to get stabilized and treated. All medical expenses should be covered by insurance. That’s not something you ought to stress about at the moment.
2. Document and Collect Evidence
In order to file a successful claim or lawsuit later, you’ll need evidence. The police should be dispatched to the scene, and though a police report will contain most of the pertinent details, it’s wise for you to document and collect your own evidence as well.
If you’re physically able, take photos of the scene, gather contact information for potential witnesses, and possibly even record an audio description of what just happened on your phone.
Memory can be a fickle resource, and details may get lost in the days and weeks to come. Taking time to record your experience on the site will lessen the chances of key information getting forgotten.
3. Notify Your Insurance Company
Once you’re stabilized and any immediate care has been administered, take the time to notify your insurance company that you have been in an accident. Your insurer will have a standardized process through which it will walk you in order to record the incident and proceed with any necessary claims.
4. Hire a Lawyer
According to Tate Law Offices, P.C., “Studies have shown that accident victims who are represented by lawyers generally recover higher amounts of compensation than those who go without legal representation.”
Even if you think your case is pretty straightforward, it’s smart to hire a motorcycle lawyer to help you make your case and maximize your settlement. Attorneys specialize in negotiating with insurance companies and know exactly what to do and say to get you top dollar.
Even after giving your lawyer a cut of the settlement, you’ll come out on top.
5. Continue Getting Treatment
Even after your initial treatment is done and you’ve been released from the hospital, it’s a good idea to continue to seek medical treatment. Physically, this will reduce your chances of suffering from long-term symptoms and side effects.
Psychologically, it’s even more important. The last thing you want is for a single incident to create a sense of anxiety about getting back on your bike (or behind the wheel of a car).
A couple of therapy sessions with a counselor should help you work through your fears and develop a proper game plan for returning to the road.
Stay Patient
A motorcycle accident happens in a split second, but the aftermath can take months and years to unfold and sort out. As you continue to recover, remind yourself that patience is integral to your case.
Trust that your attorneys are working with your best interests in mind, and wait for the proper steps to be taken. Eventually, all of the loose ends will get tied up, and you’ll be able to move on with your life.
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