Been in a Motorbike Accident? Here’s What to Do

Last updated on January 22nd, 2024 at 11:43 pm

You’re putting your safety at risk whenever you ride your motorcycle along a public road. Sadly, even with protective clothing and a helmet, you can’t always keep yourself safe from injuries if you’re in an accident.

Being in a road traffic collision is physically and emotionally traumatic. While you can never predict a freak accident on the roads, you can prepare yourself for the worst by learning what you should do following a motorcycle collision.

Note that every road traffic collision is different, and the exact post-accident steps might differ depending on the type and severity of your injuries. However, we have discussed the general steps following a motorbike crash so you know what to do if you get injured during a ride.

What to Do When You’re Injured in a Motorbike Accident

If you’ve been involved in a motorbike accident and have sustained injuries of any kind, it’s crucial to know what steps to take immediately following the incident. Here is a simple step-by-step guide walking you through the essential actions you should take to protect yourself and follow legal protocols.

If you require further guidance after reading through the steps below, contact a Tucson Injury Lawyer, who can advise you on the next course of action.

Seek medical attention

Your top priority after being injured in a road traffic collision should always be to seek help from a medical professional. This is often the case whether you appear to have serious injuries.

Internal injuries are not always visible or noticeable externally. Getting a thorough full-body medical check following the accident ensures that you don’t have any hidden injuries that could lead to further complications down the line.

If you are physically able, move to a safe location away from traffic to prevent yourself from sustaining further injuries. Call the emergency medical services (EMS) in your area and report what has happened.

Once at the hospital, you may undergo a series of physical examinations, scans, and additional diagnostic tests. Medical examinations enable doctors to rule out major injuries or determine the most suitable treatment if you do have serious injuries.

Document everything that happened during and after the accident

Documentation is essential for legal protection when you’re injured in a road traffic accident. In the event of an insurance claim, having details documents strengthens your case if the accident wasn’t your fault.

You must also preserve as much evidence as possible in case you need to present it to your insurers or lawyers. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, if possible, and keep any dashcam footage or other safety tech that you used to capture the collision.

Write down everything that happened during the accident while it’s fresh in your memory. Take note of the events leading up to the accident and after it.

Document and photograph the positions of each vehicle, damage to your bike and surrounding structures (such as walls or buildings), and traffic signs around the accident site. Write down the personal details of the other driver or drivers involved in the collision, including their names, contact information, and insurance details.

If there were any witnesses at the scene, ask them to note down what they saw and get their details in case they need to provide evidence as part of a legal claim.

Take photographs and videos of your injures

Make sure to photograph your injuries clearly and from multiple angles, including cuts, bruises, and fractures. You may also want to ask your healthcare provider for a report of the testing and diagnosis you received at the hospital following the accident.

Over the next few weeks, monitor and document your symptoms, pain levels, and limitations resulting from the accident. Your documentation will serve as evidence when seeking compensation for your injuries.

Contact your insurance provider

After sustaining an injury in a motorcycle accident that somebody else caused, you could be eligible for compensation. Contact your insurer and provide them with all of the documents, photos, and videos that you’ve gathered from the accident. This is where your detailed documentation will be useful!

Cooperate with your insurer and follow their instructions closely. They might ask you for further details and evidence to file a claim successfully.

Many insurance policies may have time limits for reporting accidents, so act promptly to avoid potential complications or claim rejections.

Contact a personal injury lawyer

Your next step should be to contact a personal injury lawyer in your local area, ideally one specializing in motorcycle accidents. They can provide expert advice on how to claim compensation, protect your rights, and navigate the complex legal processes you follow after a road traffic accident.

A personal injury lawyer can also liaise with your insurance provider during the legal claims process to ensure you get fair compensation for your injuries and trauma.

Follow your doctor’s advice and take time to focus on recovery

After sustaining injuries of any severity, taking the right recovery steps is essential for protecting you from further injuries. You must always follow your doctor’s advice closely and take prescribed medications appropriately.

Attend regular check-ups so your doctor can monitor your recovery progress. You must prioritize your health during this time and take as long as you need to recuperate after your accident.

Consider both your physical and mental health. Road traffic accidents can be emotionally traumatic, and you may need to focus on coping mechanisms to protect your mental well-being. If you feel that therapy will be useful, ask your doctor for a referral to a therapist or organize a private therapist yourself.

You may want to speak to your employer and ask for some time away from work, whether due to physical injuries, emotional trauma, or both. Some employers may require a written doctor’s note to allow you several weeks off work. However, this may not be the case for your specific workplace, so it’s best to double-check with your employer.