Top Ten Things to Know Before and After a Motorcycle Accident

1. During 2020, 5,579 motorcyclists died on U.S. roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists were up to 28 times more likely to be killed in an accident than occupants in a passenger vehicle.
2. Make sure to research and know the motorcycle laws in each state you plan to ride. Having a driver’s license is not enough, you also need the proper motorcycle license classification or endorsement. Each state also has different requirements for helmets, eye protection, and motorcycle passengers.
3. Call 911 immediately after an accident or ask someone else to call if you are not able. Your health and safety is the number one priority following a crash.
4. Leave your motorcycle and vehicles where they are for the police investigation and the accident report.
5. When the police arrive at the scene of the accident, they will ask you questions about the accident to help them write their accident report. This is totally normal and you should answer their questions to the best of your ability.
6. Take photographs and video of the scene and all damage if you are able. If you are unable, ask someone else. Do not put yourself or others in danger to collect photographs. Only do so if there is no traffic or roadway hazard.
7. Seek proper medical care immediately and continue to follow up with your doctor. Motorcyclists face a much higher risk of severe injury during a collision with a larger motor vehicle. With only a helmet to protect you, life-threatening injuries are likely. In addition to broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and internal bleeding; traumatic brain injury and road rash can lead to additional complications in the future.
8. Social media will hurt your case. Resist the urge to post anything concerning your wreck on social media. Posting something as simple as “I got in a wreck today but I’m fine” can come back to haunt your case. The defense will use anything you post to discredit your injuries and damages.
9. Insurance companies will often begin working on the case immediately. They may contact all involved parties as early as the day after the accident.
10. Consider hiring a Birmingham motorcycle accident attorney experienced in motorcycle crash cases because the insurance company will begin work immediately to investigate and establish fault.

Hire an attorney with a proven record recovering money for clients injured in motorcycle crashes. DeGaris Law attorneys have over thirty years experience helping victims of motorcycle accidents and they are motorcycle owners themselves. Call today for your FREE CONSULTATION.