Although all automotive accidents are serious, a motorcycle accident can prove particularly injurious – if not outright deadly. Since motorcycles offer drivers far less protection than standard automobiles, there’s typically much greater risk of injury whenever a motorcyclist is involved in an accident. Needless to say, a motorcycle accident stands to leave you scared, shaken and wondering what happens next. So, should you ever find yourself involved in a motorcycle accident, remember to take the following steps.
Contact the Police Immediately
Provided you’re physically able to do so in the wake of an accident, contact the police immediately. The sooner they arrive, the sooner you can get an accident report filed. Attempting to leave the scene, even if you’re not the party at fault, is going to look very bad, so if you’re uninjured, stick around and wait for the police to arrive.
If you, a passenger on your bike or someone in the other vehicle has been injured, call an ambulance ASAP. Additionally, try to avoid moving any injured parties, as this may ultimately make the situation worse. Instead, leave this step to the paramedics.
Take Stock of Any Injuries
If you’ve any incurred injuries, try to photograph them – again, provided you’re physically able to. The earlier you document these injuries via photograph, the easier it will be to make your case should you wind up having to take the responsible party to court. Photographing injuries can also provide your insurance company with a solid idea of how serious the accident was.
You should also make a point of receiving medical treatment for your injuries ASAP. As soon as an ambulance arrives, allow them to assess and treat any injuries you’ve incurred, and if need be, let them take you to a hospital.
Exchange Information with the Other Party
Provided you’re both uninjured, make an effort to exchange insurance and contact information with the other party. Although this should be a fairly simple exchange, it’s possible that this person will refuse to provide you with their info and/or adopt an outright combative attitude. Should this prove to be the case, do not engage them. While feeling rattled in the wake of an accident is certainly understandable, there is absolutely no benefit in trying to start a fight with the other party.
So, if this is the approach they choose to go with, you shouldn’t have any part in it. Just wait for the police to arrive and explain the situation to them. After informing them that the other party wasn’t forthcoming with their insurance and contact info, they’ll more than likely get the information for you.
Report the Incident to Your Insurance
The sooner you report the accident to your insurance provider, the sooner they can get to work on your claim. Just as almost every state in the country requires motorists to have auto insurance, so too must motorcyclists have motorcycle insurance. So, regardless of where you happen to be based, there’s a good chance you can’t legally operate your motorcycle in the absence of insurance coverage. Additionally, you’ll more than likely need to show proof of insurance in order to register your motorcycle.
Get in Touch with a Good Lawyer
Depending on the circumstances of your accident – not to mention the aftermath of the incident – a good lawyer can be an invaluable ally. For example, if the responsible party, their insurer or even your insurer are refusing to cover medical costs, vehicle damage, etc., you’ll want to have a dependable lawyer in your corner. Twin Cities residents who are seeking the compensation they’re owed in the wake of a bad accident should get in touch with a dependable Minneapolis motorcycle accident injury lawyer.
Few things can leave one as shaken as a motorcycle accident. Even if you emerged from the accident unscathed, there’s a good chance you’ll be dealing with residual trauma for quite a while. Furthermore, for obvious reasons, being involved in an accident while riding a motorcycle is often considerably more dangerous than being in an accident while driving a car. In light of all the stress and danger involved in the typical motorcycle accident, it’s imperative that you take the previously discussed measures in the wake of a motorcycle mishap.