What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident?

An accident is every motorcycle driver’s worst nightmare. Unfortunately, it’s a nightmare that occurs often.

Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in an accident than occupants in a car. Almost 5,000 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2018. Those numbers are declining over time, but motorcycles are still dangerous.

Even a non-fatal motorcycle accident can be disorientating. But you can get help. Understand your first steps after an accident, and you can keep yourself safe.

Here is a quick guide on what to do after a motorcycle accident.

Keep a Motorcycle Accident from Occurring

The best way to stop an accident is to never get into one. Practice cautious, defensive riding.

You should always wear a helmet and put on knee and elbow padding to avoid scraping your joints on the road.

Assume that other drivers cannot see you. Search for vehicles, then do your best to stay out of their blind spots.

Look where you want to go and steer in that direction. Use both of your brakes, but never stop riding your bike. Avoid crashing by riding away from threats.

Do not go riding during or after inclement weather. Avoid riding at night, and turn on your headlights if you do.

Immediately Following an Accident

As soon as you get involved in an accident, don’t panic. Move away from traffic, but avoid turning your head. You may have a head or neck injury.

Once you’re safe, look over your body. A motorcycle accident injury can be minor, but even a small cut can lead to an infection. Give yourself first aid before helping other people.

Call 911 immediately. Do not assume that someone else has done so. Request a police car and ambulance, and tell the operator how many people were involved in the accident.

If you can, get all other parties’ contact and insurance information, including witnesses. Write down license plates and details about cars that did a hit-and-run. Take videos of the accident scene and record your testimony of how the accident occurred.

Hiring a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Get a complete medical evaluation, including a psychological one. Even if you don’t think you were seriously injured, you may have internal bleeding or torn tendons that you overlook. When the doctor gives you paperwork, keep it and file it away.

Hire a motorcycle accident lawyer like GroverLawKC as soon as possible. The other parties may already have lawyers and may be preparing a case against you. You need to defend yourself and navigate through a lengthy trial.

You may be entitled to a large cash settlement. Missouri and Kansas allow drivers to collect a settlement if they were 50 percent or less at fault.

Help your case however you can. Talk to your lawyers and give them crucial information. Let them do their jobs, but advise them on the strategies you want to take in court.

What to Do After an Accident

A motorcycle accident can uproot your life. It can occur anytime, day or night, sun or rain. Prepare for one well in advance.

Avoid an accident by practicing good defensive driving. Wear a helmet, watch the road, and avoid riding in dangerous areas.

When you get in an accident, call 911 and get medical attention. Hire an attorney as soon as you can. Help your case by documenting the other parties and the accident scene.

Get the help you deserve after an accident. GroverLawKC is a leading motorcycle accident firm. Contact us today.