What To Do In Case Of A Motorcycle Accident

We all know they happen, but we hope they never happen to us. One minute you’re cruising along enjoying the ride and the scenery, and the next thing you know, your whole world has turned upside down, literally.

Rising gasoline prices are just one contributing factor in a surge in sales of motorcycles that has caused a related increase in accidents that result deaths and serious injuries to riders.

Industry studies report that more than half of all motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers failing to see the motorcycle or failing to yield the right of way to the motorcycle. The majority of motorcycle accidents are due by negligence, defective equipment, and unsafe riding conditions. The numbers of new, unskilled riders certainly adds to the death and injury toll.

If you are involved in an accident while riding your motorcycle, there are several important things you should do:

First of all, get out of the roadway if you can. Getting hit by a passing car can quickly turn what started out as a relatively minor accident into a tragedy.

Assess you injuries and those of your passenger, if someone was riding with you. Use your cell phone to summon help, or ask witnesses to call for emergency personnel.

Move your motorcycle off the road if you can do so safely and are capable of moving it.

If another vehicle was involved in the accident, try to obtain the other driver’s name, license number, address, and telephone number. DO NOT make any statements as to cause of accident to the other party! Try to get the names of any witnesses to the accident.

Cooperate with police and other emergency responders at the scene, but never admit fault for the accident.

If you experience any pain or are injured, request medical attention without delay. Ask the medical personnel to photograph your injuries, if possible, and save the photos along with all medical reports and medical bills.

Try to return to the accident site. You may find more evidence about the cause of the accident there, such as skid marks, debris in the roadway, traffic or visual obstructions. Take photographs of the evidence. Carefully to note what you found at the accident site. This can help you with filing a claim with your motorcycle insurance company later.

Contact an attorney and explain what happened frankly. An attorney can help you in negotiating with insurance companies and getting a fair settlement.

Get back on a bike and ride again, once you are physically and mentally up to the challenge. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to take to the open road again.