Photo by Shajan Jacob on Unsplash
Driving a motorcycle can be a great source of pride and joy but it can also be very risky. In case you are involved in an accident, it’s vital that you know how to handle yourself. Keep on reading for some very important tips.
Get to safety
Once an accident has occurred, you have to do a quick self-check for injuries. If you are able to move, you should get to safety and distance yourself from the scene itself. For example, a vehicle might be leaking gasoline or already be on fire, there could be a damaged construction waiting to collapse, and so on.
Check for injuries
When you are safe, you can check yourself a bit more thoroughly for injuries. If you were driving the motorcycle, if nothing else, you’ll at least feel a little banged up. Furthermore, check up on other participants of the accident. Keep in mind that some injuries are not easy to identify, even to professionals, such as internal bleeding.
Call emergency services
Regardless of whether you can see any major injuries or not, you have to call emergency services. The police should be there to secure the area and record details of the accident as well as determine if legal action is necessary. Then, medical professionals should take a look at you even if you feel completely fine.
Remain calm
It can be very hard to remain calm in these circumstances but it is essential in order to avoid saying something that might make the whole situation worse. What is more, you might implicate yourself even if you did not cause the accident. Don’t argue or physically engage with other parties involved and avoid assigning blame.
Talk to eyewitnesses
You should not leave the scene until you’ve exchanged details with other parties or before you’ve talked to the local authorities. Something else you should do is talk to the eyewitnesses. Their name, phone number, and a written statement about what they saw could help you a lot in arguing your case if you end up in a legal dispute. Make sure you don’t pressure the witnesses into saying something they don’t want to and keep in mind that some people won’t be willing to testify in court.
Take photos
You should also take photos of the scene. If your phone still works, document the damage to the vehicles and other property. If possible, include a street sign and nearby buildings to show your surroundings.
Inform your insurance company
Once you’ve made sure you are okay and collected testimonies and photos, you should contact your insurance providers and notify them that you’ve been in an accident. Provide them with all the info you gathered at the scene, such as the names of the other parties, the details about their vehicles, and phone numbers of witnesses. If asked about your injuries and property damage, inform them that you will share these details once you have talked to a doctor and a mechanic. That way, you will not underestimate your compensation.
Contact a lawyer
Speaking of compensation, you should consider contacting an attorney. However, not just any attorney will do. You need someone with plenty of experience in the field who will be able to advise you on how you can proceed, which is why turning to personal injury lawyers is your best option. For example, you might be entitled to compensation or your insurance claim might be denied. On the other hand, maybe you are wrongly accused of causing the accident. Seasoned lawyers will know how to deal with these cases.
Follow your doctor’s orders
Finally, even if you were checked by the EMTs, you should still go to the hospital. That way, you will either have a clean bill of health or the documentation you need for an insurance claim. If you were injured, it’s crucial that you follow your doctor’s orders. Take the meds they prescribe if you are in pain and follow through with the therapies.
Prevent future accidents
To avoid finding yourself in such a situation, caution is always advised. Wear protective gear, exercise good judgment, and adjust to the road and weather conditions. What is more, never drive your motorcycle when under the influence of alcohol and other drugs.
If you are a motorcycle driver, you know how important staying vigilant is. However, accidents still happen and now you will know what to do if you find yourself in one.