The fatality rate for motorcyclists reached almost 61% in 2016; the highest rate since 2008. While you can take precautions to try and stay safe, some crashes are inevitable. If you’ve never been in a crash before, you might not know what to do afterward.
Here are five steps you need to take after motorcycle crashes. By reading this guide, you can prepare yourself for a potential crash.
Knowing how to react can make a big difference, especially if you want to pursue legal action.
Protect yourself (and your best interests) by reading this guide today!
- Move to Safety
You’ll likely feel disoriented after a crash. That’s completely normal. Take a deep breath and try to remain calm.
First, move yourself and your bike to a safe place. It’s important to get out of moving traffic as soon as possible.
Otherwise, you could potentially cause another crash. Prioritize your safety before moving onto the next step.
- Assess Injuries
Once you’re safe, assess your injuries. The majority of traffic-related deaths involve motorcyclists (14%). It’s important to make sure your injuries aren’t fatal.
If adrenaline is masking your injuries, you might not realize your hurt right away. Internal bleeding and organ damage are potential motorcycle crash injuries.
If you’re unsure about your condition, call for medical help right away.
- Call the Police
Don’t leave the scene without calling the police. In some states, you’re legally obligated to call. The police will file an official report, which you can give to your insurance agent and motorcycle accident lawyer.
When the police arrive, make sure to stick to the details. Don’t elaborate or provide your opinion.
Instead, provide a brief statement. Anything you say could hurt your case if you want to receive compensation.
- Gather Evidence
It’s important to gather evidence after motorcycle crashes. Take photos and videos of the area, including footage of:
- Your motorcycle crash injuries
- All vehicles involved in the crash
- Nearby buildings
- Street signs
When sharing personal information with the other driver, make sure to gather their:
- Name
- Phone number
- Address
- Insurance information
- Driver’s license information
Talking to witnesses can help build your case, too.
Take the time to write down what happened. It’s common to forget details after motorcycle crashes. Writing everything down right away will keep the details fresh.
- Call the Pros
Take the time to make a few phone calls while you’re still at the scene. First, call your insurance company. Let them know you were in a motorcycle crash.
They’ll let you know how to proceed.
Call a motorcycle accident lawyer, too. An attorney at law can help you build a case to receive compensation to cover your losses.
In the meantime, keep track of your medical expenses and damages. You’ll need these documents for your case.
Drive Toward Safety: 5 Things to Do After Motorcycle Accidents
It’s normal for drivers to feel frazzled after motorcycle crashes. With this guide, you can take the right steps after your crash. The steps you take can help you build a case, allowing you to cover your losses.
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