6 Tips to Handle a Motorcycle Accident

Even if motorcyclists make up only about 5% of all drivers, according to NTHSA, the fatality rate in motorcycle accidents is a lot greater than in other vehicle accidents. Fatal accidents happen 27 times more often to motorcycle riders than to any other driver on the road. This is why motorcyclists must know how to protect themselves and try to avoid the accident by practicing safe riding. But in a situation where a motorcycle accident has already occurred, it is equally important to know what to do afterward and learn about the steps that will allow you to handle a motorcycle accident in the best way possible.

1. Get out of a harm’s way

The first thing to do after a motorcycle accident, after analyzing the situation, is getting out of harm’s way. Don’t keep standing at the scene of the accident and move away from the road. Remember, you are still in the middle of traffic and another reckless driver may end up hitting you. Make sure that both you and the other person involved in the accident get to safety as soon as possible.

2. Seek medical help

It doesn’t matter what condition your motorcycle accident leaves you in, you should call the ambulance even before removing any gear from your person. If you touch anything before paramedics examine you, you could end up doing much more damage to yourself, especially by touching or removing your helmet. Wait for an ambulance and get yourselves checked for injuries.

3. Call 911

At the same time when you call an ambulance, you should call 911 too. Their unbiased report on who’s responsible for your motorcycle accident will mean a lot, especially if you didn’t cause the accident and you wish to pursue an accident claim. Once the police come to the scene, they will examine the situation, collect evidence and witness statements. This documentation is very important for you if you want to be compensated for your injuries. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney will help you a great deal by managing your claim and filing a lawsuit on your behalf, while you focus on your recovery.

4. Gather the evidence

While the police report is accepted in any situation, you should always make sure you’ve gathered your own evidence. If your injuries allow you to, take some pictures of the scene and write a detailed recollection of the accident while it is still fresh in your mind. Make sure you exchange the insurance information with the other driver involved.

5. Call the insurance company

Insurance companies like to be notified of an accident when it has occurred. Sometimes they send their agents to the scene of the accident to offer you a smaller compensation amount before you remember to ask for more. Because they are tricky like that and would see any delay in contacting them as a reason to decline the claim, call them and let them know in short terms that there was an accident and you will call them again with more information.

6. Hire a motorcycle accident attorney

Once you decide to hire a motorcycle accident attorney in Los Angeles, there is little you are left to worry about regarding your motorcycle accident. Your motorcycle accident attorney will collect all documentation, file a lawsuit on your behalf, take over the negotiation with the insurance and fight for rights to fair compensation. All you are left to do is take some time to focus on getting better and getting your life on track, without worrying about your financial situation.