Riding a motorcycle is a lot of fun – until you’re involved in an accident. It happens all the time, and when motorcyclists are involved in an accident, the incident is more than 20 times more likely to be fatal. Even if you only suffer minor injuries, though, the road back to riding can be a long one, but it’s possible to put the pieces back together.
Here’s what you need to do to address the aftermath of your accident.
Call For Help
If you’re wearing a helmet and proper riding gear, you can reduce your injuries if you’re involved in a crash. Unfortunately, when you’re riding on a small two-wheeled vehicle and you’re hit by a much larger one, all the gear in the world won’t help. After an accident, call 911 to get medical attention at the scene, as well as police who can take a report. You’ll want to make sure you don’t worsen an injury by moving around a lot or delaying medical care.
Get A Lawyer
Motorcyclists are often hit with the blame for accidents because other drivers automatically assume motorcyclists are being reckless. You may be accused of lane splitting, speeding, or failing to signal, even if this isn’t true – and that’s why you need representation. Contact a personal injury lawyer who can help investigate your case, navigate insurance issues, and assist you in pursuing compensation and further medical care.
Assess The Scene
There are several common causes of motorcycle accidents, and while many are caused by other drivers who don’t register riders and their smaller vehicles, other crashes are caused by issues in the immediate environment. For example, poor road upkeep can send your bike spinning out of control, and while it’s your responsibility to ride responsibly, in some cases the local government may be liable for your accident. Follow the key rules, such as going into blind turns slowly in case there’s gravel or debris on the other side, and document the scene of your accident so that you can make the strongest case possible in your defense.
Work With Your Insurance
You lawyer will be able to give you a lot of support when it comes to dealing with your insurance after a motorcycle accident, but you’ll also need to work with them directly. The good news is, as a motorcyclist you likely have good coverage – most states require riders to carry both bodily injury and property damage insurance – so take advantage of that. Make sure that your lawyer is fighting to get you the most substantial payout to make up for damage to your bike, as well as treatment for injuries. Of course, your insurance will also have to cover other damages, like if you crashed into a fence or damaged another driver’s vehicle – but don’t ignore your own needs.
Get Back On The Bike
Many motorcyclists stop riding after accidents, especially if they’ve suffered a serious injury, but you don’t necessarily have to, and there is plenty of advice out there for getting back on your bike. The most important thing is that you take the time and take any injuries into account as you work to start riding again. Start out slow and go on small, low stakes rides and up the speed and difficulty over time. Like any other frightening accident, it can be hard to go back to your life as it was before, but if you love riding, don’t let an accident force you to give up on your passion.
Riding a motorcycle is always risky, but so is driving a car, so don’t let the fear of an accident hold you back. Instead, learn what to do when accidents happen so that you can respond with confidence, starting with the moment of impact.