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What Should I do After A Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycles are an extremely popular hobby, or more accurately, passion for a huge number of Americans. There are around eight and half million registered motorcycles in the USA and the number is only going up. Unfortunately, as the number of biking enthusiasts grows so does the frequency of accidents.
Riding a motorbike is a normal part of daily life for many, an exhilarating occasional treat for others, and some view motorbikes as an adrenaline junkie’s folly and believe they should be highly restricted. No matter
the view taken, the risks and dangers involved with these machines must be understood and respected.
Iowa has the third-largest population of motorcycle owners of any US state, and motorcycle accidents in Des Moines, IA are becoming more common. In the state of Iowa over the last decade there has been an average of 50 fatal two-wheeler crashes each year; a frightening statistic that only reinforces the level of care and attention that must be given from riders, pedestrians, and fellow road users alike.
Not all accidents are fatal, and if a person finds themselves in one, it is important to know the next steps to take, both at the site of the crash (if not seriously hurt) and in the days following.
What Immediate Action Should be Taken After a Motorbike Accident?
Get to a Safe Place
The first thing a person must do is get clear of any further danger. Don’t stand in the middle of a road, even if it seems there are no vehicles around. Move to an area clear of any potential oncoming traffic before doing anything else.
Do Not Remove Protective Gear
If a person is in shock, they may feel like they want more air and be tempted to remove any protective clothing they are wearing. It is best to resist the urge to take off any layers for several reasons. A person may have injuries they are not yet aware of; the tight protective gear helps minimize any movement. If it is cold, the adrenaline in the body can skew awareness of body temperature and could lead to hypothermia.
Call 911
No matter what circumstances led to the accident, it is vital for emergency services to get to the scene as soon as possible.
Seek Medical Attention
After a crash, anyone involved is likely to be in shock, and the body is flooded with adrenaline. Even if you feel fine, it is imperative to be fully checked out by a medical professional. Paramedics can provide an on-site assessment and recommend the next stages. Brain injuries are the leading cause of death after a motorcycle accident and do not always show immediate effects, so rather than trying to play the hero; it is best to play it safe.
Gather Evidence
It is possible to take photos, it should be done. The more information a person can collect at the time of the incident, the more ammunition they have to back up any future insurance claims they need to make. It is best to speak with the other parties involved, if there are any, and document as many details as possible. One of the most important things to collect evidence of is the damage to the vehicle. This can play a big part in a future claim.
Contact the Insurance Company
The sooner an insurance company knows about the accident, the better. Failure to inform an insurance company soon enough can lead to problems further down the line. If there is another person involved in the crash, they should do the same.
Get in Touch With a Lawyer
Motorcycle accident insurance claims are notoriously tricky and complicated, and it is beneficial to have professional expertise and advice. Regardless of what caused the accident or what thoughts are running through the mind, Des Moines motorcycle lawyers always beneficial contacts to have.
Bottom Line
Most motorcycle riders are vigilant, careful, and obey the laws put in place for their safety and the safety of others, and many crashes are caused by other drivers on the road who are not paying attention to the harder to spot two-wheel vehicles sharing the lane. Knowing what to do in the event of an accident could be vital to recovery, and to any possible claims a victim may be entitled to.