Photo by Matt Chesin

Originally Posted On: https://www.myzeo.com/health/7-important-things-you-need-to-do-after-a-motorcycle-accident/

 

Getting into a motorcycle accident is one of the scariest possible situations for any bike rider.

It can be a narrow line between life or death, depending on the severity of the car crash that you experienced.

However, there are several steps that you should take that can help prevent the situation (or injury) from worsening. Being such a highly-stressful situation, it’s understandable that your mind might not be able to completely gather itself.

Be sure to know the actions to take. Here are the things that you should do if you’re ever in a motorcycle accident. Memorize them and store them away for future use.

1. Collect Yourself

This should be prefaced by saying that you won’t be able to completely calm yourself down in such a high-emotion circumstance.

After all, you’ve just been in a motorcycle accident and will probably be in a significant amount of pain. However, it’s vitally important that you gather your thoughts as much as possible.

The adrenaline will take over to a certain extent, but you need to be able to think through every step you’re taking hereafter.

Take a look around you and see if you can spot the other party (if there is one) that was involved in the injury. Once you understand the situation that you’re in, you can use the rest of the steps to take control of the situation.

2. Check Yourself for Injuries

If you’re ever involved in an accident while on your motorcycle, you’re going to sustain injuries of some sort. Some are manageable, while others will inhibit you from moving.

Check yourself and see what kind of injuries you have. Try moving all of your ligaments and making sure the pain won’t limit you from walking away.

If you’re able to stand up and walk, then be sure to check others that were involved in the crash and check on their injuries as well.

Don’t ever assume that they’re taking the same steps as you. They might be passed out from the crash or need assistance removing themselves from the car.

3. Call 911

The odds are that if someone else has seen the motorcycle accident occur, then they’ve already contacted local emergency responders.

However, you can’t take that chance. Be sure to call 911 as soon as you assess the situation that you’re in.

You can fill them in on how many people are involved in the accident, where it is, whether or not anyone needs an ambulance, etc.

It’s important that you call 911 as soon as possible so that everyone can get the medical attention they need and you can start to sort things out.

4. Take Photos Before Anything Else

Now that you’ve made sure everyone is alright and have called 911 to make sure that help is on the way, it’s time to start thinking about what happens next.

Before you move your vehicles or touch anything else, be sure to take as many photos as possible.

These photos will help you if the case were to go to court. They can be used as evidence to prove that the situation occurred the way you said it did. Whether you’re responsible for the accident or not, be sure to take pictures.

This will also help you when you find yourself dealing with your motorcycle insurance provider.

Take pictures of everything from the motorcycle, other people’s cars, your injuries, their injuries, the road that you were on, the time of day, and anything else that comes to mind.

5. Keep Your Gear On

It’s important that you keep everything on just the way that you had it prior to the crash. For all you know, there might be some serious cuts awaiting you once you take your jacket off.

Wait until the ambulance arrives and let them be the ones to tell you when and how to take it off.

Follow all of the directions that you give them to a “T” so that you aren’t injuring yourself any further.

6. Gather as Much Information as Possible

Now it’s time to gather as much information as you can about the situation that you’re currently in.

Get the names of everyone that was involved and be sure to exchange insurance information with the other party that was in the accident.

Also, gather the name of the policeman or policewoman that’s writing up the report, as well as any witnesses that saw the accident occur.

Keep this information in a safe place, such as the Notes app on your phone, so that you can have it for future use.

7. Hire an Attorney

Now that you’ve gathered all of the information and taken photos of the accident as it happened, it’s time to get legal assistance on your side.

Be sure to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer with the experience and know-how that you need.

They can help you gather up other pieces of evidence from their resources and use their network to get things such as the official police report.

It’s advantageous for you to reach out to one as soon as possible so that you can be as prepared as possible for the process that lies ahead.

Use These Tips When in a Motorcycle Accident

Now that you’ve seen the seven steps to take when you’re in a motorcycle accident, it’s time to store them away in your memory.

Be careful on the roads and don’t do anything that might lead to an accident. A motorcycle crash of any kind can risk serious injury or death.

Make sure to browse our website for more helpful information on legal articles, as well as other helpful information.