There are things you can do to protect yourself from an accident, but even the most careful driver can find themselves in a motorcycle accident. The best way to prepare for anything is by knowing how to react properly when it happens.
Actions to Take After an Accident
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, here are some important things to do as soon as possible.
- Drink water – Many people feel dizzy and confused after a motorcycle accident. Having your lose oxygen levels stay at a normal level is crucial to preventing a heart attack or stroke. If you can’t keep down fluids, go to the emergency room and get fluids intravenously.
- Move your arms – a loss of control causes most accidents. If you’ve taken a lot of impacts, try to get your hands and arms lose so they don’t get caught in any wreckage.
- Don’t remove your protective gear until paramedics arrive – After an accident, you may be in shock and the adrenaline may prevent you from feeling any pain or injuries. Always keep this in mind and wait for paramedics to arrive before you remove your helmet and other gear to avoid exacerbating injuries.
- Call 911 – If you are in an accident, call 911 right away. It is important to report the accident to the authorities so that they can respond and take care of any injured people or witnesses.
- Get to the ER – If you can’t move or are injured to a critical point, call 911 and have emergency personnel come to the scene and assess the situation. Don’t do anything by yourself.
- Call an attorney–There are experienced motorcycle Accident Attorneys in most cities, so it’s a good idea to do some research and have an attorney in mind should you ever need one
What to do in the hospital
The first thing you need to do is make sure you’re in a hospital that offers trauma care. The staff at this facility will assess your injuries and determine what the best options are for you. Should you have significant injuries, you’ll probably be taken to another hospital with a higher level of care.
Before the ambulance arrives, gather important personal items that you may need. Make sure you have insurance information, so you can file a claim. You’ll need to identify all the equipment on your bike.
Have your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance available. Your insurance provider will be your primary contact after the accident. Once you’re in the hospital, it’s time to tell the emergency staff what happened.
How to Talk to the Insurance Company
If you are hurt in a motorcycle accident, you need to know the insurance company will handle the claims from the drivers involved. The other party may have their own insurance, and so will you. This may be confusing, but you need to know where to start and what you need to know in order to maximize your case.
You will probably need a personal injury attorney to assist you in recovering your losses after an accident. Your accident will most likely be reflected in your auto insurance policy, and this can help you recover your expenses. However, with any accident, it is best to call an experienced motorcycle injury attorney to find out what you can do. It can also be the difference between getting compensation and receiving nothing.
What to do if you’re a witness
If you happen to be a witness, there are a few important things you should do. First, it is important to remain as calm and objective as possible. Don’t go rushing in to help the rider immediately because they may need emergency help even more. Also, don’t take any photos or videos first, but take a couple of minutes to collect your thoughts and figure out what happened. Remember, this is just one story, and this is the accident that may affect the life of a stranger who will be involved in one day.
Get medical attention as soon as possible. It will be of paramount importance for you to check on the victim and make sure they are okay. The first thing you need to do is to calm them down, make sure they are not feeling overwhelmed or scared, and reassure them that help is on the way.
Conclusion
Recovering from a motorcycle accident can be a long and frustrating process, but it’s important to stay focused and continue with your normal life. It will be more difficult to recover if you quit work or decide to go on a long vacation. The important thing is to make sure you stay mobile, or you will needlessly risk further damage to your body.
Don’t let unpleasant experiences with law firms scare you away from pursuing compensation for your injuries. Get the compensation you deserve for your motorcycle injury by speaking to an attorney who has a history of success in motorcycle injury cases.
