According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,985 motorcyclists passed away in motor vehicle accidents in 2018. This statistic sounds scary, but not all crashes are fatal accidents.
Riding a motorcycle is a thrilling experience, and part of that thrill is the perceived danger. You can enjoy the ride more when you’re prepared.
Keep these tips in mind, so you know what to do when involved in a San Francisco motorcycle accident.
- Safety First
Before you or anyone else does anything, you should make sure that everyone is safe. If possible, remove yourself from the road and the path of traffic. This helps prevent further danger and accidents.
If your motorcycle and other vehicles are moveable, get them off the road too. Don’t leave the scene of the accident, but take them out of the path of traffic.
- Don’t Remove Your Gear
After an accident, you and your body can go into shock. Adrenaline starts pumping through your body and prevents you from feeling any pain. Because of this, you won’t be aware of the injuries you may have suffered.
Do not remove your protective gear. This can make injuries worse. The paramedics that arrive at the scene will help you remove the gear and administer immediate medical care.
- Call the Authorities
Call 911 and alert the authorities so that a police officer can come out and make an official report. This will make submitting an insurance claim easier. It’ll also ensure that both parties obtain the correct insurance information from everyone involved.
If there are injuries, paramedics will also come to the scene. This will ensure anyone who’s injured gets the medical care that they require.
- Gather Evidence
Take pictures of everything and gather as much evidence as you can while at the accident scene. Motorcycles tend to get the automatic blame for accidents. Having evidence of the vehicle damage, current weather conditions, and the accident location will help you make your case later.
Obtain a copy of the police report. This is the official documentation of the accident, and the insurance companies will require it.
- Contact an Attorney
After the accident, reach out to an attorney. Some car accident and personal injury attorneys, like Sweet Lawyers, specialize in motorcycle accidents. They can advise you of your rights and help you make a claim to the insurance company.
The insurance company will make an initial offer, but it’s often the lowest amount possible. Hiring an attorney as soon as possible means you have an experienced representative on your side looking out for your best interests. Let the lawyer negotiate with the insurance company for you.
Be Prepared For a San Francisco Motorcycle Accident
You drive as safely as possible and practice defensive driving on your morning commute. However, you can’t totally prevent an accident from happening. Should you become involved in a San Francisco motorcycle accident, these five tips will help you stay prepared.
Check out our other articles that can give you more advice and guidance on handling all of life’s situations.
