After colliding with a car, motorcyclists should take 4 steps

On Behalf of | May 7, 2021 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

Even though your motorcycle is fun to ride, it does not offer much protection for you during a collision with another motor vehicle. If you collide with a car, you are 27 times more likely to die in the accident than the driver or passengers in the vehicle. Even if you survive, you may have to deal with life-altering injuries.

You may be eligible for substantial financial compensation from the driver who caused the collision. Still, the steps you take in the immediate aftermath of the accident may be critical in obtaining the compensation you deserve. Here are four important ones.

1. Call the police

Traffic cops know how to investigate accidents and write official reports. Therefore, despite what the responsible driver may ask you to do, you should call 911 and wait for officers to arrive.

2. Document the accident scene

Even though responding officers may prepare a detailed report, there may be gaps in the official account. If you can do so safely, take some photographs of the accident scene, your motorcycle damage and your injuries. Also, ask witnesses for their names and contact information.

3. Go to the emergency room

Your body’s automatic stress response may disguise injury symptoms, making you not realize you have suffered a serious injury until hours or days after the collision. Consequently, you should go to the emergency room and ask a doctor to examine you fully.

4. Be careful with insurance forms

An insurer may want to process your claim quickly and either deny it or offer you a low-ball settlement. When you are not thinking clearly, an adjuster may ask you to sign a blanket medical authorization or other insurance forms. Signing these forms may not be in your legal or financial interests.

Ultimately, the immediate aftermath of a collision with a car may be confusing and painful. By having a plan for dealing with a collision on your motorcycle, though, you may end up with the financial compensation you need to recover completely and move on with your life.