Motorbikes make commuting easier, and they are cheaper to park. They have become a go-to vehicle for anyone who wants better mobility. But because of their smaller size, motorbikes have less stability than cars and trucks.
This makes motorbikes more susceptible to unsafe road conditions and casualties of reckless driving. If you ride a bike, it’s crucial to be informed by knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident. This ensures you both get the required medical attention and due compensation from the parties at fault.
Below are immediate actions you should take after a crash.
Table of Contents
Call Law Enforcement or First Responders in the Area
Granted that you’re conscious and able to move, you must contact the authorities or ask a bystander to do it for you. Leave your helmet on to keep your head and neck protected. Getting the authorities on site is the priority to help you proceed with the following steps.
Get Medical Treatment
Even if you’ve only sustained minor physical injuries like scratches and skin abrasions, you’ll need to get to a hospital for a thorough check. You must do this for three reasons:
- It gives you a complete medical report of injuries your insurance provider will need.
- It rules out internal injuries like bleeding, which may be undetectable at first glance
- Finally, it records all conditions which have the potential of manifesting as a delayed injury.
Reach Out to a Trusted Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Getting a trusted motorcycle accident lawyer onboard is wise before contacting your insurance providers. Why? Because insurance companies may send you one of their agents to talk you through the details of the accident. Some may coax you to issue statements that minimize the gravity of your injuries or motor damages.
With a lawyer on your side, you’ll get all the legalities covered without sacrificing any benefit you’re entitled to.
Here’s a list of the specific things a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you deal with:
- A thorough investigation of the case to identify parties at fault
- Discussion of your legal options
- Evaluation of the health and vehicle damages you’ve sustained to assess how much compensation you should get
- Coordination with doctors, forensic experts, or other entities involved in building a stronger case
- Filing of required legal documents on your behalf
- Commencement of lawsuits and insurance claims when necessary
- Negotiations and settlements
- Providing appropriate advice on whether or not to accept settlements
- Collection of the money owed to you
Contact Your Health and Auto Insurance Providers (If Any)
Once your lawyer has read through your insurance policy terms, your next step is to contact your insurance providers.
Take note that different providers may have varied terms and conditions. Some auto insurance companies, for instance, require motorists to alert them of the accident within 30 days. Otherwise, their policy coverage will be void.
You should also be mindful of any documents that insurance providers send you for signing. A common mistake by policyholders who don’t seek legal support is signing waivers or settlement release papers without looking at the details.
The technicalities involved in any settlement are another crucial reason for getting a lawyer. It ensures you don’t get tricked into agreeing to a benefit amount lesser than the agreed figure in line with your policy’s sum insured.
Final Thoughts
Motorcycle accidents account for 14% of traffic fatalities in the United States. Despite many bikers’ best efforts to follow safety rules like wearing helmets and protective gear, you can’t say the same for reckless drivers. Besides, accidents happen beyond anyone’s control.
If you get tangled in a motorbike road mishap, this guide will set you on the right track to get the maximum benefit you’re due.
