Make immediate safety and health your priority in motorcycle accidents
Many people don’t know what their priorities should be when injured in motorcycle accidents. Adrenalin typically spikes in dangerous situations, which means it can also conceal the extent of a serious injury.
What immediate actions should you take?
1. Move to safety
Be alert to oncoming traffic, and if possible, get off the road. Despite the fact that your motorcycle is in the path of oncoming traffic, if you can’t move it without further injury, leave it where it is. Do the same if it is leaking fluid.
2. Keep your helmet on
Unless your helmet interferes with breathing, leave it on. Trying to remove a helmet if you have spinal damage, can worsen the injuries. Check for numbness in your extremities. Also take note if you have abrasions (road rash) and clean them as soon as possible to avoid infection.
3. Call 911
Documenting your accident through a police report offers protection in insurance claims. Call 911 so the police arrive at the scene as soon as possible. Even if motor cycle damage seems negligible, keep in mind, frame damage might not be immediately visible.
4. Take photos and exchange information
Photos of your motorcycle’s position, skid marks and the other vehicle’s license plate can provide evidence in a claim. Exchange contact and insurance information. If there are witnesses, also get their information. Biker bias is a widespread prejudice that causes many motorists to automatically blame the motorcyclist. You can counteract that tendency by getting witness statements at the accident scene. Whatever you do, do not admit fault or apologize. Many people are in shock after an accident and do not realize they provide information that insurance companies would try to use against them.
What follow up steps are crucial?
Medical examination. Certain injuries can remain hidden, such as concussions or internal bleeding. It is wise to visit an Urgent Care or ER within 24 hours of your accident. A medical record on the same date as your accident can be crucial for insurance claims.
Report your accident to your insurance provider. While you must give notice that your accident happened, clear your mind before giving a detailed account. Since comparative negligence factors into recovering compensation, anything that points to your negligence could reduce the compensation you’re entitled to receive.
Preserve gear. Your helmet and damaged clothes can provide evidence that reveal the extent of impact. Even if your helmet was so damaged it is unusable and you replace it, keep the old helmet until you settle your claim.
Do you need legal help in a motorcycle accident case?
When a motorcycle accident seriously harmed you, seek legal help. Hiring a seasoned lawyer allows you to focus on your recovery instead of the legal issues. A lawsuit might be necessary to deal with insurance companies so you can recover fair compensation for damages. To arrange a free consultation, contact the Law Office of John Fazzini. Call us at (631) 547-8989 or reach out to us through our contact form.