Did you know that in 2002, there were only 4.3 million registered on-road motorcycles in the United States? That then doubled to a whopping 8.6 million by 2021.
It’s no wonder motorcycle accident cases have also increased. As a result, deaths and injuries involving motorcyclists have also gone up. From 2019 to 2020 alone, the motorcycle injury rate spiked by 10%.
So if you plan to ride yourself, it pays to know what to do after a motorcycle accident.
To that end, we created this guide on the steps to take following such road incidents. Read on, as what you learn here can help save lives and prevent further injuries and damage.
Confirm if You Have Injuries
Since motorcycles are open and smaller than cars or trucks, they’re also less stable. That makes them far less crashworthy and raises their riders’ risk for road hazards. Unfortunately, that’s also why motorcyclists are several times more likely to get injured.
Thus, the first thing you must do following a motorcycle crash is to check if you have injuries. Call 911 if you can’t move, are bleeding profusely, or suspect you have broken bones.
Move Away From Incoming Traffic
If you have no severe injuries and can move, check your surroundings immediately. If you’re in the middle of the road, raise your hands to allow drivers from afar to see you. Then, please make your way to the side of the road where it’s safer.
Check if Anyone Needs Medical Help
If possible, speak to the other drivers or passengers involved in the crash from the side of the road. That way, you can remain safe and out of the way of incoming traffic.
If they’re in the middle of the road, raise your voice when asking if they’re alright. If they can’t hear you, approach their vehicle. But before doing so, look in all directions for oncoming traffic first.
Ask the other involved people if they’re okay or require emergency medical help. If it’s the latter, please call 911 immediately.
Involve the Police
All motorists involved in injury- and death-causing crashes must report to the police. They must also do the same if the property damage reaches a certain monetary threshold.
The threshold varies from state to state, usually $500 to $1,000. A few have lower limits, though; $50 in Tennessee, $100 in Louisiana, and $300 in Arizona.
Since motorcycles are less crash-worthy, they often sustain reportable damage in a crash. So, even if you’re unsure how much the damage is to your ride, it pays to call the police.
If you’re in Colorado, Nevada, or Ohio, you must report the incident even if there’s no damage. In these states, police reporting is mandatory for all crashes, regardless of severity.
Besides, a police officer can help by advising you on what to do next, even if the crash was only minor. Then, if they go to the scene, they can secure the area and preserve valuable evidence. They’ll also create a report that you’ll likely use later if you file a claim or sue the other parties.
Exchange Information With Other Involved Parties
For most minor incidents, such as those without injuries, the police won’t go to the scene. Whether or not they do, they’ll tell you to exchange information with the other drivers. When you do, only provide and acquire the following:
- Complete names and contact details
- Insurance providers and policy numbers
- Driver’s license numbers and license plate numbers
- Make, model, year, and color of all involved vehicles
Exchanging those details should be the extent of your conversation. Keep your emotions in check because the other drivers can use anything you say against you.
Take Photos and Videos of the Scene
Photograph or record videos of the entire scene, including all the vehicles involved. Take them from various angles and ensure they include the license plate numbers.
Do the same for injuries, property damage, skid marks, debris, and road conditions. Take photos or videos of traffic and road signs, too.
Get Witness Accounts
Others may have witnessed what happened before, during, and after the crash. These include other motorists, pedestrians, passersby, and roadside store personnel.
Talk to those individuals and request permission to record their accounts. Also, ask for their complete name and contact information.
See a Doctor
After leaving the crash site, visit a doctor’s clinic, hospital, or emergency department. Inform the healthcare professional you’ve been in a motorcycle crash. They will perform comprehensive tests to confirm if you have injuries.
Please don’t skip this step because you may have hidden or internal injuries. Many injuries can also take days or weeks to show symptoms.
Some examples are injuries to the internal organs, such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, and heart. Likewise, whiplash, nerve, and traumatic brain injuries may have delayed symptoms.
Left untreated, such injuries can cause severe and chronic health conditions and disabilities. Even worse, they could be fatal.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Speak to an attorney for legal guidance, especially if the other driver puts the entire blame on you. Do the same even if they seemed friendly or cooperative at first. They may deny responsibility later once they learn how it can raise their premiums.
Initial consultations for accident cases are often free, so take advantage of a few. The attorneys you speak to can determine your case’s merits and how much you can recover. Here’s a more in-depth guide; click for motorcycle accident lawyer consultations and tips.
Consider hiring a motorcycle accident attorney to file the claim as you rest and heal. Your lawyer can also take over all correspondence while you complete your recovery. They’ll also do their best to help you obtain maximum compensation.
Follow This Guide on What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Please remember that around 13 car crashes occur every minute in the United States. Thus, knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident is vital, as it can help you avoid getting into another. If you’re not careful, another vehicle may hit you right after the first one did.
Most importantly, don’t hesitate to call 911, the police, and a lawyer for help.
For more law-related guides like this, please browse the rest of our recent blog posts now.
