What Steps Should You Take After A Motorcyle Accident?

Motorcycle accidents can cause severe injuries to their riders and the time for recovery can potentially be longer than if you were involved in a car accident. If the injuries are too severe, loved ones can go through the legal process of getting compensation for the accident on behalf of the rider.

If the accident wasn't as severe, there are some steps you should take immediately after the accident to not only protect yourself from further injury but also help increase your chances of winning a personal injury lawsuit.

Contact a motorcycle lawyer who is well versed in the laws surrounding personal injury relating to your accident to help. Here are some steps to take after the accident.

Move Out Of The Roadway And Call Emergency Response

Right after an accident, it's important to move out of the roadway onto the side of the road. This doesn't mean moving your motorcycle unless it's a minor accident. Check with your state to see if the vehicles can be moved before the police arrive as each state has its own laws and rules regarding this. In some cases, police need to see the position of each vehicle to help determine who was at fault.

If you are able to, take pictures of each vehicle's position and the damage done to your motorcycle. You should then move to the side of the road away from traffic passing. Call the police and an ambulance to check for injuries. It's a good idea to get checked out at the hospital because you could have injuries you don't know about.

Also, getting medical records after an accident can help you win a personal injury case against the other driver who may be at fault for the accident. Your motorcycle lawyer can help you get these records for court.

Keep Your Helmet And Gear On

You might want to take your helmet and safety gear off once you get to the side of the road. This isn't a good idea. It's best to keep your helmet and gear on at least until police and EMTs arrive to check you out. The safety gear can help keep you safe while you wait for the police to arrive and it can also help keep any injuries you may have sustained from getting worse.

If possible, have a witness take pictures of you immediately after the accident. This can show what injuries you sustained in the aftermath of the accident. Your motorcycle lawyer could potentially use these to help you win your case. 

For more info, contact a local motorcycle attorney.