7 Steps To Take After A Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycles can be very dangerous, and unfortunately, more and more motorcycle accidents occur every year. These accidents can cause severe injury and significant damage to your bike, so it is essential to take the proper steps to look after your health and claim the necessary compensation. Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be very distressing and disorientating, so it can be challenging to know what to do. 

Here are seven steps to take after a motorcycle accident.  

1. Swap Information

The first thing you need to do following an accident is to swap information with anyone else involved in the incident. This is very important as this information will be used in any future legal or civil case. If the other person refuses to give you their information or they become aggressive in any way, take down their registration number and don't press the matter with them. An accident's shock can cause people to act irrationally, so it is essential that you stay safe and not get caught up in any confrontations. When you speak to other people involved in the accident, never admit responsibility, even if you believe you are to blame. 

Admission could be used against you later, which could result in you having to pay a tremendous amount of money. Even if you feel like you are responsible, leave it up to your lawyers from motorcycleaccidentlawyer.com and the courts to make that decision.

2. Call the Police

If you were involved in a severe accident, you should call the police to come to the scene. When they arrive, they will be able to adjudicate the situation and keep everyone calm while exchanging information. It would be best if you always waited for the police to arrive following an accident because it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident before the police show up in many places. The police may also want to breathalyze everyone involved in the accident to make sure that no one was under the influence of alcohol. After assessing the situation and speaking to witnesses, the police will then write a report about what happened. This police report can be valuable evidence in any later legal proceedings that may occur after the accident. Don't try to color your testimony in any way. Just explain what happened from your perspective, and the police can decide whether they need to take action against the other party. 

3. Hire an Attorney

Various legal proceedings could occur following a motorcycle accident, depending on which country you live in. In Canada, where accidents involving motorcycles have been on the rise, you may be able to claim compensation from the responsible party for any injuries or damage you have sustained. One firm of Toronto personal injury lawyers explained that you could seek compensation for economic damages such as medical costs and vehicle repairs and non-economic damage such as pain and suffering. An experienced attorney like motorcycle safety lawyers in Chicago will know the best course of action to take to ensure that you get the money you are entitled to. Even minor accidents can result in complicated legal disputes, so it is always advisable to have experienced legal representation.

4. Seek Medical Attention

You must seek immediate medical attention following any motorbike accident to cause extensive injuries. Many people don't even realize that they are injured after an accident because shock and adrenaline kick in and cover up the pain. A doctor will be able to examine you thoroughly to accurately diagnose any injuries you have sustained. This is very important as they will then put you on the right course of treatment straight away. Make sure that you explain to the doctor what happened to include this information in your medical report. This report can be used as evidence in any future legal proceedings to help you get the compensation you need to cover your treatment cost. There is a limited period in some states if you want to use the medical reports as evidence to request them straight away.

5. Speak to Your Insurance Company

If a vehicle has been damaged in the accident, or you or another person has been injured, you will need to speak to your insurance company. They will pay out the money you need to cover your medical bills and vehicle repairs before any later legal proceedings. The money is reimbursed by the party responsible for the accident. Insurance companies are often notoriously difficult to get money out of, and they may try to claim that you are ineligible for a payout. In this case, do not even try to argue with them; just put your lawyer in charge of speaking to them. Experienced accident attorneys know how to deal with insurance companies and will be able to exert the proper pressure to get you the money you deserve.

6. Get Quotes for Repairs

The cost of motorcycle repairs can vary a lot from mechanic to mechanic, so you must get as many quotes as possible. This will enable you to save money on your repairs and will allow you to present the cost of the repairs in your compensation case. If someone else was responsible for the accident, then you will be able to claim back the cost of repairs or even the cost of replacing your motorcycle altogether. Always go to reputable mechanics and ignore any quotes that are wildly low or high compared to the others. 

7. Learn from the Situation

Whatever the circumstances which led to the accident, there is always something that you can learn to reduce the chances of another accident occurring in the future. Even if you were not responsible for the incident, it may make you drive more cautiously in the future or be more mindful about what could potentially happen. The number of accidents involving motorcycles is increasing every year, with car and truck drivers often paying too little attention to motorcycles, so it is always important to be aware at all times.

Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be a terrible experience, but if you take the proper steps, you will make the best of a bad situation. Your priority following an accident should always be your health and wellbeing, so you must seek prompt medical attention and hire an experienced lawyer. Follow these seven steps, and you will be able to protect yourself and get the compensation and treatment you need to move on from the incident. 

Related Articles:

• Driving a Motorcycle Is Scary Sometimes: How to Be Safe
• What to Do in Case You Get Hurt Riding a Motorcycle