2018 was a statistically rough year for motorcycle riders. Data shows that nearly 5,000 motorcyclists were killed in motorcycle accidents for the calendar year of 2018.
Motorcyclists are more prone to fatalities in accidents with cars, and this is simply because they are afforded much less protection than a driver within a car. The reasons for accidents playing out are almost endless and some of the more prevalent ones include drivers not clearly seeing passing motorcyclists, or a car door opening into the direct path of a moving motorcycle.
Motorcycle crashes happen, and regardless of the unfortunate reason why one happened, it is important to be vigilant and take necessary steps after an accident occurs. Continue reading to get a better sense of what you should do immediately after a motorcycle accident.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Accidents tend to happen when people least expect them to, and motorcycle accidents are very much the same. However, because you can’t predict when an accident will happen doesn’t mean you can’t do your best to be prepared. In the event that you are in a motorcycle accident here is what you need to do:
1. Get to Safety
Being in a motorcycle crash can be jarring, and it may be hard to keep your wits about you. However, if you have just gone through a motorcycle crash, it is imperative that you remove yourself from harm’s way.
If you’re in the middle of busy traffic, try to get out of the way of traffic if you’re able to. Take the time to see if anyone else was involved in the accident as well. If you are safe and in the position to help them, then help get them to safety as well.
2. Keep Protective Gear On
Following an accident, one of your first instincts may be to remove your helmet.
This could be because adrenaline is temporarily blocking pain from the injury, or simply because you want to get a better look at the scene. Make sure that you don’t discard your protective safety gear, even in the absence of immediate pain. Keep these on, and handy, until you know you are safe and there are paramedics at the site of the accident.
3. Call for Help
If no one in your immediate vicinity has called 911, this is one of the first things you’ll want to do.
Even if you’re not injured, you’ll need to stay at the scene of the crash so police can investigate and paramedics can look you over for less obvious injuries, such as concussions. Regardless of the severity of the crash, an accident will need to be reported to the police.
4. Gather Evidence
In case of a potential lawsuit, it helps to document the scene of the accident and collect any relevant evidence. As always, only do this if you are safe and unharmed.
If any property was damaged or somebody was injured, it’s important to have evidence to defend yourself in court. If you were responsible for the accident, you may face fines or even jail time, depending on what caused the accident.
5. Seek Legal Help
After the accident, finding a lawyer may be necessary. The reasons for this can vary. It could be that the extent of your injuries called for hospitalization, even though the accident wasn’t your fault. It could also be that you caused the accident and this resulted in someone else sustaining serious injures. In either of these cases, a motorcycle accident lawyer is a necessity.
Have You Been in a Motorcycle Accident?
Knowing what to do in case of an emergency can pay dividends when you least expect it. It can be the very thing that helps save your life or minimizes costs you might incur from an accident.
A motorcycle accident can leave you injured or facing a lawsuit depending on the severity of the accident. Don’t underestimate the importance of knowing how to react after a motorcycle accident. Stay vigilant, and stay safe! Contact our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys today!