In 2018, nearly 5,000 motorcyclists were killed in motorcycle accidents.
Motorcyclists are at a higher risk of fatality when getting in accidents since they’re more vulnerable than drivers who are protected by a car. Crashes happen for a variety of reasons, including drivers not seeing motorcyclists while switching lanes, or car doors opening in the path of a motorcycle.
Regardless of why a motorcycle crash has happened, it’s important to take the proper steps following an accident. Keep reading to learn more about what to do after a motorcycle accident!
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents tend to happen when riders least expect it.
If the unthinkable happens, this is what you should do…
Get to Safety
If you’ve just been in a motorcycle crash, it’s important that you don’t stay in harm’s way.
If you’re on a highway or a busy street, try to get out of the way of traffic if you’re able to. If somebody else was involved in the accident, help them get to safety as well if you’re in good enough condition to do so.
Keep Protective Gear On
One of your first instincts may be to remove your helmet following an accident.
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. Even if you’re not feeling pain immediately, you’ll want to keep safety gear on until you’re safe and a paramedic is on site.
Call for Help
If no bystanders or other parties who were involved in the crash have dialed 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.
Gather Evidence
If you’re capable, take pictures of the accident and collect any necessary evidence in the case of a lawsuit.
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. So, gather any evidence that can work in your favor.
Seek Legal Help
After the accident, finding a lawyer may be necessary.
Maybe you sustained injuries that required hospitalization and the accident wasn’t your own fault, or maybe you caused injuries to someone else. In either of these cases, a motorcycle accident lawyer is a necessity.
A motorcycle crash lawyer will help you fight a potential lawsuit or fight for a lawsuit of your own.
Have You Been in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you’re an avid motorcyclist, it’s important to know what to do in case of an emergency.
A motorcycle accident can leave you injured or facing a lawsuit depending on the severity of the accident. So, it’s important to know the proper steps following an accident.
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