Motorcycle Accident: What You Must Do First

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Nobody wants to be in a motorcycle accident. If you become involved in one, however, there are numerous precautions you should take to ensure your safety and the protection of others around you.

First, it's essential to assess the situation and ensure everyone is okay. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.

Once the immediate medical needs are taken care of, you can start to gather information about what happened. If you have a camera, photograph the situation, including car damage and injuries.

Get the contact information for any witnesses who saw what happened. And finally, file a police report so that there is an official record of the accident. After taking care of the accident's immediate aftermath, you'll need to start thinking about your next steps.

You may need to get your motorcycle repaired, or you may even need to consult with a lawyer if you are injured. But no matter what, remember that you are not alone. There are resources available to help you through this tough time.

Motorcycle Accidents Are On The Rise.

Motorcycle accidents are becoming more common. Here are some precautions you may take to prevent becoming a statistic:

  1. Put on a helmet: This is the most crucial thing you can do to protect yourself in a collision.
  2. Follow the posted speed limit: Motorcycle accidents are frequently caused by speeding.
  3. Be visible: Wear brightly colored clothing, and make sure your bike has working headlights and taillights.
  4. Watch out for road hazards: Be extra careful of potholes, gravel, oil slicks, and other obstacles that can cause you to lose control of your bike.
  5. Ride on the defense: Assume that drivers cannot see you and be ready to take evasive action if required.

Following these simple tips can help keep yourself safe on the road and avoid becoming a statistic in a motorcycle accident.

What to Do If You're in a Motorcycle Accident

There are particular procedures you should take if you are involved in a motorbike accident to safeguard your safety and those around you.

First, move your motorcycle to the side of the road to avoid being hit by oncoming traffic.

Next, assess your injuries and those of any passengers on your bike. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately. If not, try to calm down and assess the situation.

Once everyone is secure, exchange insurance information with the other motorist and obtain contact information from witnesses who may have witnessed the collision.

Photograph the accident site, including any damage to your motorbike or the other car. It is also a good idea to get a police report, even if the accident does not seem severe.

After taking care of the accident's immediate aftermath, you should do a few more things. First, contact your insurance company and let them know what happened.

They will likely want to send an adjuster to inspect the damage and determine how much they will cover. You should also seek medical assistance even if you do not believe you have been gravely harmed; some injuries may not be evident initially but might create difficulties later on.

Finally, keep all documentation related to the accident if you need it later for legal or insurance purposes.

The Most Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents

Several different injuries can occur as a result of a motorcycle accident. Some of the most common include:

  • Broken bones: Motorcycle riders are particularly susceptible to broken bones due to the lack of protection from the elements.
  • Head injuries: Head injuries are also quite common in motorcycle accidents, especially if the rider is not wearing a helmet.
  • Road rash: Road rash occurs when the skin touches the pavement and is scratched away. This can be extremely painful and often requires medical attention.
  • Internal bleeding: Internal bleeding is another severe injury that can occur in a motorcycle accident. This happens when one of the body's organs is damaged and begins to bleed internally. This can be very dangerous and even life-threatening.

How To Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are one of the leading causes of death and injury on our nation's roads. According to the National Highway Road Safety Administration, 4,976 motorcyclists were killed in traffic accidents in 2015, an 8% rise over the previous year.

There are several things riders can do to help prevent motorcycle accidents, including: 

  • Wearing proper safety gear: Riders should always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and eye protection. Wearing protective clothing can also assist in lessening the severity of injuries in the event of an accident.
  • Being visible: Motorcycles are much smaller than other vehicles on the road, so riders need to take steps to make themselves more visible. This includes wearing brightly colored clothing, using reflective tape on their bike, and using headlights even during daytime hours.
  • Riding defensively: Riders should always be aware of their surroundings and avoid riding in blind spots. They should also give themselves plenty of space when following other vehicles and be prepared to brake or swerve if necessary.
  • Obeying traffic laws: Following the speed limit and obeying other traffic laws is crucial for riders and drivers alike. Speeding and other risky behaviors significantly increase the chances of an accident.

Conclusion

If you are unlucky enough to be in a motorbike accident, you should remember a few things. First and foremost, stay calm and assess the situation. Move your motorcycle off the road to avoid blocking traffic if you can.

Once you've done that, check yourself for injuries and then attend to any passengers with you. Contact the authorities and exchange insurance information with the other motorist if everyone is okay. It's only a question of waiting for help and following their instructions.