7 Things to do After a Motorcycle Accident.
A motorcyclist can do everything right, take every safety precaution, and still be the victim of a nasty motorcycle accident. The reality is that many drivers are not vigilant about looking out for motorcyclists. Drivers don’t check their blind spot when they change lanes, or a driver parks and opens the car door without checking for an oncoming motorcycle. These are the top two reasons for collisions where the motorcyclist is not at fault.
But not being at fault is small comfort for the motorcyclist in a collision: auto body repairs can be costly, and injuries may be severe.
The things you do at the scene can make a difference to the aftermath of a motorcycle accident.
#1. Safety First
Get off the road and out of the way of traffic. Stay far away from vehicles that are leaking gas or are on fire.
#2 Check for Injuries
Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injuries than road users because they don’t have the protection of car metal around them and safety belts aren’t an option. For this reason, few motorcyclists walk away from a motorcycle accident entirely unharmed. Call 9-1-1 for medical help for yourself and others who may be injured.
Even if you don’t have visible injuries, get yourself checked out by a doctor as soon as possible to make sure that there isn’t trauma that isn’t immediately noticeable.
#3 Be Calm
This is often easier said than done, but yelling at the other driver or having a fist-fight will not be helpful in the long run. Don’t do or say anything that could make a bad situation worse.
#4. Contact Law Enforcement
If you haven’t contacted 9-1-1 because there are no injuries, call local law enforcement so that they can record the details of the motorcycle accident and take immediate legal action if the driver is impaired by alcohol or drug abuse. They may also need to direct traffic to prevent further accidents. Make sure to stay on the phone as long as necessary so that they have all the details they need.
5. Stay on the Scene
5. Stay on the Scene
Don’t leave the scene of the accident until you’ve exchanged insurance and contact information with the driver, and law enforcement has recorded the details of the collision.
#6. Take Pics
Fortunately, we live in the age of cell phones. Take photographs of the accident scene from different angles, and take close-ups of the damage to your motorcycle and the driver’s car. Make sure you’re as thorough as possible with this. Your insurance company will process your claim faster if photographs are attached, and your claim is more likely to be successful.
#7. Witnesses
Ask the people at the accident scene if they saw what happened and if they have, whether you can contact them. Sadly, many people don’t want to be hassled by insurance companies and court cases and may be unwilling to help. Don’t try to force or persuade them but if they do cooperate, make sure to at least get their phone number.
Last Thoughts
Riding motorcycles is a joy, but motorcycle accidents often result in life-changing injuries. Prevent harm to yourself by:
- wearing protective gear, especially a helmet
- never driving when you’re drug or alcohol impaired
- never exceeding the speed limit
- slowing down if the weather is bad
- obeying all the traffic laws
- always riding within traffic lanes and not between them
- watching out for reckless motorists and driving defensively
If you are involved in a motorcycle collision, contact us at 480-351-1734. We’ll have you back on the road quickly and safely.
