As the wind bumps into your face when traversing the country as you cut through traffic, the rage and adrenaline you get from riding a motorbike are unlike any other. The experience is exciting and fulfilling. It is one of a kind. However, it doesn’t come without a fair share of safety risks. This is because motorcycle riders are at a higher risk of getting involved in an accident compared to other motorists. The risk of sustaining severe and sometimes fatal injuries is also elevated.

If you have been involved in a motorbike accident, the steps you take next matter a lot. They will determine whether your experience after the occurrence is an overwhelming nightmare or a smooth sail towards recovery. On this note, here are a few tips on how to properly handle a motorcycle accident.

1. Safety Check

The first thing you should do is ensure safety for yourself. From there, check if anyone else is involved in the accident and whether they need help. Analyze your current situation and surrounding. Are you seriously injured? If so, get yourself out of harm’s way by distancing yourself from anything that may cause you additional harm. For example, you will want to steer clear of:

– Roadside drop-offs or cliffs
– Structures or vehicle on fire
– Leaking gasoline from a vehicle or your motorcycle
– Structures that are on the verge of collapsing

2. Talk to an Accident Attorney

Motorcycle accidents can cause extremely severe injuries to the victim/s. As anyone would expect, these injuries can be extremely costly to treat if at all they are not fatal. They also come with dozens of other repercussions, including lost wages, pain, and probable disability, not to mention emotional and psychological suffering. Plymouth County residents in these situations always reach out to a motorcycle accident lawyer in Brockton who can guide them through the entire process, starting from police reports to dealing with hefty insurance adjusters. Having a reliable representative by your side significantly increases the chances of you getting fair compensation for all your injuries and damages.

But especially in places like California where many are registered, navigating your compensation case alone can be overwhelmingly tricky due to the many complexities that surround these cases. Pius Joseph, a Pasadena motorcycle accident attorney, says one of the first steps after the accident should be to talk to an accident lawyer who will advise you on how to go about the entire process until you get compensation. They will help you in most of the pointers that follow, including gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance, and filing your case in court if it comes to that. They will also represent you in the lawsuit trial to ensure you get justice. You just need to get a lawyer with:

– Experience
– Great reputation
– A good track record of winning these cases

3. Damage Assessment

After getting yourself and others out of harm’s way, try and remain calm and take deep breaths. At this point, you may be in shock and confusion, amid the high levels of adrenaline from motorcycle riding. Try to stay where you are as you assess the situation. If you still have your protective gear on, try not to remove it. Wait till the paramedics arrive to remove your helmet off.

4. Make an Emergency Call

As soon as you can after the accident, call the emergency number whether anyone involved in the accident is injured or not. You should call the police emergency toll number and inform them about the accident. Provide relevant information to the emergency respondents such as your location and the severity of the accident. This will help them arrive quickly and promptly to assess your situation and provide help.

Moreover, not all motorists walk away from accidents without an injury. Therefore, you will want to seek urgent medical attention as soon as you can. Remember to also contact your insurance company and provide the specifics that you had recorded earlier with the emergency respondent.

5. Gather Evidence

Once you have already assessed the situation, gotten medical help, and made sure everything is fine, take some time and gather information about the motorcycle accident. It’s important to share relevant information with the parties you deem fit and also the law enforcement officials. If, for example, your phone has survived the crash, try and take photos of the motorcycle damage, any skid marks, or injuries. Be sure to record relevant information, including the date and time of the accident.

Finally, you will want to have talks with your insurance company in the presence of your lawyer. This is after seeking medical aid, informing the police, and gathering the necessary evidence. Having your personal injury lawyer will help maximize the compensation you get from these negotiations. If they come to a halt, your attorney will advise you on the next course of action, which involves filing the accident compensation claim with the court.