How To Handle A Motorcycle Accident: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Over 100,000 motorcycle accidents take place each year in America based on recent reports. Those accidents result in well over 80,000 injuries and more than 5,000 deaths annually. Motorcycle accidents can be particularly dangerous. Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles provide no protection for their riders. As such, the resulting injuries tend to be exceptionally severe.

If you’re in a motorcycle accident, the actions you take immediately afterward can make a significant difference in your outcome. Because of that, it’s important to understand which steps to take in the aftermath of a crash. Keep the following measures in mind if you’re injured on your motorcycle to protect yourself and your rights.

Move to a Safe Spot

If you’re able, and it’s safe to do so, the first thing you should do after a motorcycle accident is move yourself, your passengers, and your bike to a safe spot out of the flow of traffic. You’re extremely vulnerable in the road. After all, many drivers these days would rather try to navigate around you than to stop and wait for first responders to arrive. Some of them may not even see you in the road, especially if your crash happens at night or in inclement weather. It’s best to get out of the road before taking any additional steps.

Call 911

Once you’re out of the flow of traffic, call 911 to get first responders on scene. This is recommended even if you don’t think you’re injured and there doesn’t seem to be any damage to your bike or the other vehicle involved. At the very least, you’ll have law enforcement on scene to assess the situation and create a police report, and paramedics will be there to make sure you’re not more injured than you think.

Accept Medical Attention

When paramedics arrive on scene, you have the right to refuse medical attention. That’s one right you shouldn’t exercise. Never refuse medical attention after an accident. Your injuries could easily be more severe than you realize. If you forgo medical care, there’s a chance your injuries could grow worse, or you might inadvertently cause more damage. Besides that, getting medical attention immediately after the accident will provide valuable evidence you can use later on if you need to pursue your case in court.

Exchange Information and Gather Evidence

From there, you need to exchange information with the other driver who was involved in the accident. Take down their contact information as well as their insurance provider. Get their driver’s license information; tag number; and vehicle year, make, and model as well. You’ll need those details later on when you file a claim. If there were any witnesses to the accident, consider getting their contact information too. It’s also a good idea to take pictures and video of the accident scene to use as evidence.

Taking Care of Yourself After a Motorcycle Accident

Those first few moments after a motorcycle accident can be frightening and chaotic. It’s important to stay calm, move off of the road if possible, and get first responders en route. Don’t refuse medical attention, even if you don’t think you’re injured. Exchange information with the other driver, and gather evidence from the scene. When you can, contact your insurance company to report the accident, and consider consulting with an attorney in case you need a legal advocate on your side later on.

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