The confusion and shock that characterize the period after a motorcycle accident can leave you wondering what to do. Since a motorcycle crash can result in injuries that would change your life in a significant way, keeping a clear mind will help you to determine the next course of action. Whatever happens, you must ensure that your legal rights are protected. In case you suffer injuries as a result of the accident, taking the following steps will help you when filing a personal injury claim.
Stay calm
While it is normal for emotions to flare after any accident, personal injury lawyers advise that you try to stay calm throughout this period. Engaging in heated arguments with other parties involved in the accident will not benefit anyone. It may just work to make you angry, a factor that might cause other people around you to lose their temper as well as drive away potential witnesses. You should also remain at the scene until you have fulfilled all your obligations.
Safety first
Your safety should always be your priority. This is why the first thing you should do if you have been in a motorcycle accident is to check for injuries. If you are able to move, you should consider checking whether everyone else at the accident scene is safe.
Seek medical attention
If you or anyone else at the accident scene has serious injuries, you should call for medical assistance. It is important for anyone who needs help to seek medical attention, even when the injuries appear to be minor. With the dangerous nature of internal bleeding, it is better to be safe than sorry. Seeking medical attention will also help you to obtain medical reports that you can use if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
When it is safe, clear the roadway
In case the accident scene poses any risks, you should clear the roadway and move to a safer place. This will help to avoid more accidents and further injuries. In order to alert other road users, you should use warning triangles, flares and hazard lights.
Collect information
After a motorcycle accident, you should not forget to collect information and gather the relevant evidence. This will include exchanging personal and contact information with the other parties involved in the accident. Apart from writing down the models, descriptions and plate numbers of the other vehicles, you should also take photos of the accident scene.
Talk to witnesses
Depending on the nature and severity of your injuries, you should talk to witnesses at the scene. Since memories fade, getting as much information from them as you can immediately after the accident would be a wise move. Recording their comments on the accident will come in handy in case you decide to seek compensation for the injuries and suffering the accident will have caused you.
Contact the police and your insurance provider
Contacting the police after a motorcycle accident will enable you to obtain a police report. This report will speed up the claim process if you intend to seek compensation for your injuries and the damage to your bike. After contacting the police, it is important that you inform your insurer of the incident.
Do not admit fault
Regardless of what you do, you should neither apportion blame nor admit fault. With the serious consequences that statements made immediately following a crash can have, being careful about what you say will go a long way in ensuring that your legal rights are protected. The best way to handle the situation would be to contact experienced personal injury lawyers to handle the necessary communication on your behalf.
In the end, prevention is better than cure. Since most traffic accidents are as a result of human error, you should exercise caution when riding on public roads. Ensuring that you have the necessary protective gear, your motorcycle is in good condition and following all road rules will help to keep you safe.
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