No matter how safe we are on the roads, sometimes it’s impossible avoid an accident. This is especially true when riding a motorcycle. Motorcycles lack the barriers that cars have, and with their small, sometimes hard to see, exterior, motorcycles quickly become targets for accidents that cause serious injuries.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in the state of Indiana, it’s imperative to follow these steps to ensure you are safe, cared for, and eventually, receive just compensation as a result of the accident.
Stay Safe
The most important thing motorcyclists must consider after an accident is their safety. Without the metal barriers you get in a car, a motorcyclist is open to a lot more harm from passing cars, especially on a busy street or highway. Make sure you get yourself off the road and to a safe area where you can then make your phone calls and assess the damage. If it is possible, try to move your bike to safety as well.
Call 9-1-1
Once you have reached a safe place, dial 9-1-1. It is imperative that you call the police before you call your insurance company or an attorney. With motorcycle accidents, injuries are common and it’s important to have an officer on the scene to determine what exactly happened and ensure that all those involved are okay. The police report will also help you down the line when you file a claim.
Get Medical Attention
When you get into an accident, your adrenaline goes into overdrive, causing certain injuries to go unnoticed. But just because you may feel okay, doesn’t mean you actually are. A motorcycle accident can lead to a concussion, broken bones, and other body injuries that may appear later on or may only be detected by a medical professional. Once the police have entered the scene, be sure you get immediate medical attention—the longer you wait, the worse your injuries can become.
Exchange Information
Always remember to exchange information with the other person involved in the accident. There is no need to call their insurance company—in fact, you shouldn’t call the at-fault drivers insurance at all. Be sure to write down things like their license plate number, their car make and model, and the full names of everyone involved. The information you receive from them will help with your claim.
Make the Right Calls
The final step after an accident is to make the right calls. Make a quick call to your insurance company to explain to them what happened, including the time and location of the accident. Once you speak with your insurance, call your attorney. If you don’t have one, consider calling a company with a good reputation for motorcycle accidents. An attorney like those at Stewart & Stewart will walk you through your next steps and help you get on the right track to just compensation and get you back on your motorcycle.
For a free consultation, contact Stewart & Stewart at 1-800-33-33-LAW or visit our website.