The thrill and freedom of driving a motorcycle are tempered only by the real risks on the roadway. Every experienced motorcyclist understands that safety is very important because the dangers are very real. Even what would be a fender-bender for two cars can be deadly when a bike is involved. That’s why every motorcycle owner should be mentally prepared to face the consequences and aftermath of an accident.
Immediate Response for Accidents
The moments immediately following an accident can feel like a clip from a surreal movie, so it takes a little effort to snap out of the shock and do the right things. Safety is always a major concern in an accident involving a motorcycle, no matter how minor the collision is. Drivers should take pictures of all the vehicles involved in the accident and exchange insurance information at the bare minimum.
Visit the Doctor or Emergency Room
If there’s any doubt at all, go to the doctor. If anyone was ejected from a motorcycle as part of the collision, then they probably need to go to the emergency room. Concussions and internal bleeding are just two possible threats. You should also keep careful track of all medical records and processes in case you need this information for a legal claim down the road.
Seek Help from Legal Professionals
Legal help is the next step after medical help. Talking to personal injury lawyers can help you figure out your next step. If you have any reason to pursue a claim, it’s usually better to get the ball rolling as soon as possible. The longer you wait after an accident, the harder it is to get reliable evidence and testimony that will hold up in court.
Be Vigilant All the Time
Vigilance is a general concept, but it’s one that is invaluable for driving a motorcycle. The vulnerability and lack of visibility on a bike mean defensive driving techniques are a must. It also means motorcyclists need to look out for their own interests on the roads and watch out for one another when riding in groups. Bike riders also need to be vigilant about their own health and ability so they know when to say no to a ride.
Dealing with motorcycle accidents is something you hope you don’t have to learn from experience. However, even if you are an experienced and defensive driver, there are times when situations spiral out of your control. Accidents can happen to anyone on the road, so you need to be ready to deal with the aftermath.
This article is from Brooke Chaplan, a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.
