Important Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
In 2019, 84,000 motorcyclists were injured and 5,014 died after being involved in a collision, and while motorcyclists only make up approximately 5% of divorces, they are more likely to be involved in accidents than other vehicles on the road.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, we have outlined what you should do in the event of an accident. It is important to note that these are steps you can take after a minor accident; if you are involved in a serious crash, you may be unable to complete these steps because of your injuries.
- Get to safety. If you are still in harm’s way (i.e. not on the shoulder or off the side of the road), you should get out of the pay of traffic. If possible, you should try to help others involved in the accident to get to safety as well.
- Leave your protective gear on. Wait for paramedics or medical professionals to remove your gear. After an accident, your adrenaline is pumping, and you are likely in shock, which prevents you from feeling certain injuries. If you remove your helmet or gear, you may aggravate or worsen some of your injuries.
- Call 911. In Colorado, you are required to report an accident if an injury or property damage has occurred. It is also in your best interest to have an accident and/or police report to present to your insurer and to have for your records.
- Request medical attention. As we mentioned, you may be in shock. Thus, even if you feel fine, you should take the time to be checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. You should also listen to your doctor(s) concerning their advice and treatment plan.
- Collect evidence (photos and statements). You should take pictures of the scene of the accident, the vehicles involved in the crash, and your injuries (before and after treatment). If possible, you should also get the contact information of the other parties involved and any witnesses to the accident.
- Contact your insurance company. Even if you are not at fault for the accident, you should inform your insurer that you were in an accident. Some insurers require you to disclose this information, which may be outlined in your policy agreement. Also, your insurance company may be able to cover certain damages.
- Contact a qualified personal injury attorney. Oftentimes, insurance companies offer accident victims lowball settlement offers. If you retain a reliable attorney, they can help you understand your legal options, negotiate a better settlement, communicate with the insurance company, and fight for your right to fair compensation.
Safety Tips for Motorcyclists
Even though accidents happen and are somewhat an inevitability, drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and everyone should take precautions to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. If you are a motorcyclist, here are some tips to help you stay safe while you’re on the road.
- Always wear a helmet and protective gear. In Colorado, motorcyclists and their passengers must wear a helmet if they are under the age of 18. Even if you are 18 years of age or older, you should wear and invest in a quality helmet and protective gear (i.e. boots, gloves, long pants, etc.).
- Conduct a motorcycle safety check before riding. Before riding, you should check your motorcycle’s tire pressure, brake lights, etc. to ensure it is in good condition.
- Don’t drink and ride. If you are operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle, you should avoid consuming alcohol before a ride; alcohol, drugs, or other substance can dull your senses and affect your judgment, which can be dangerous while riding.
- Don’t overexert yourself. If you are riding for a long time or feel tired, you should take a break and pull over; riding drowsy is very dangerous.
- Pay attention to the weather. You should check the weather before riding, and you should pay attention to changes in the weather while riding. Storms and other inclement weather conditions can be dangerous as they affect visibility and road conditions.
- Ride defensively. Sometimes drivers do not pay attention to motorcyclists, and they make sudden stops, unsafe lane changes, and speed. Drivers also park and forget to look for motorcyclists when they open their doors. To protect yourself and your passengers, you should ride with caution and be a defensive driver/rider.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact the Law Office of Joseph A. Lazzara, P.C. today. Schedule a free case consultation by calling (720) 809-8262 or reaching out online.