What will you do if you get involved in a motorcycle accident? Every motorcyclist needs to know the immediate actions to take after one such crash. Going to the seeking immediate medical assistance is critical even if first aid was performed on the scene. Also, reporting the matter to authorities is key. But those two steps are not enough. There are other vital things you need to consider in such scenarios.
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
When you are involved in a motorcycle accident, it is essential to consider your health first. Report to the nearest health facility for proper examination. Don’t assume that you are alright even if you have not sustained any visible injuries. You might have no injuries that show, but you might have suffered internal injuries without even knowing it.
Also, when at the hospital, report all the injuries and symptoms. That will give your doctor an idea of what might be wrong with you. Ensure that the medical personnel attending to you records all the symptoms and injuries for evidence when dealing with insurance companies and authorities.
Besides, if you were not traveling alone, check on the condition of the other person you were with. Ensure that they also seek medical attention and have their symptoms and injuries recorded. The most common injuries people sustain in car accidents include:
- Head injuries
- Muscle damage
- Head damage
- Nerve damage.
2. Contact the Police and File a Police Report
After contacting a doctor for medical attention, report the accident to the police and file the report when they show up. Tell them exactly what happened and keep any opinions to yourself to avoid the law taking its course against you.
This move also allows you to record the names of the people who were involved or witnessed the accident. If there were any eyewitnesses, including them in the report will allow you to build a strong defense in the case.
When reporting, don’t forget to document the driver’s license information and the other parties involved. After filling, you might have an advantage when claiming benefits from your insurance company and other bodies.
3. Order a Copy of the Police Report
Having a copy of the report is crucial for you. It enables you to know exactly what you filled out. Additionally, it allows you to use it as evidence when approaching any other relevant entities, such as insurance companies for compensation or an attorney for the defense.
Fortunately, many reports are available online on police department portals. That gives you a better chance of ordering it online. You don’t have to travel to the police station considering that it can be costly.
4. Apply for No-Fault Benefits
The no-fault applications are available at your insurance company office. After the accident, report to the company and apply for no-fault benefits. Other companies refer to this type of application as a notice of injury. It will help you protect your no-fault rights.
Also, it will allow you to recover out-of-pocket medical expenses, attendant care services, and other relevant reimbursements. However, you must only file the claim within one year of the accident, which is the stipulated limit. If you don’t do it within one year, you will lose your no-fault benefit rights.
5. Don’t Miss Doctor Appointments
Doctor appointments are necessary because they will help you keep track of your treatment as you recover. The doctor will also ensure that you are in good condition, helping restore your health even if you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident. Doctor appointments and physician notes can also serve as extra proof that you were (severely) injured when an insurance company tries to reject or devalue your claim.
Conclusion
Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention immediately after a motorcycle accident. The subsequent steps, such as filing a report with the police and the insurance company, are crucial when involved in a motorcycle wreck. Also, don’t miss any of your doctor appointments, especially if your injuries were severe and you are entitled to significant compensation. A complete medical record after a serious accident can become critical evidence in a personal injury case.
Early in his journalism career, Kerry L. Tucker had a revelation: there were not enough experts reporting on law issues. Legal matters are part of daily life. Yet, there seems to be a general aversion towards them. One of the main reasons for this is that the convoluted legal language is difficult for many people to follow. Therefore, he decided to change how the law is perceived by the public. Throughout his career, he met with many people who shared their personal stories with him. Some of these hit him harder. One of the cases that stayed with him and influenced his future career development was a car accident case involving a child. From then on, he decided to zero in on car accident lawsuits.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
