In Connecticut, road conditions can create driving challenges. Issues like rain, sleet, and snow can cause safety risks for all drivers on the road. Traffic congestion in places like the I-95 often increases the likelihood of an accident. On top of all this, dealing with the aftereffects of a motorcycle accident can be stressful. Knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident can help ensure that you get the healing and compensation that you deserve.
There are several steps you should take after a motorcycle accident to make your life easier. We want to ensure that you receive the proper remedies for your accident. The following tips will help you prepare for a personal injury claim.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
The first thing you need to do after a motorcycle accident is to seek immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor crashes. Your health and safety take top priority.
If you can, gather as much information at the scene of the accident right after it happens. Broken glass and other evidence tends to be cleared from the area rather quickly. After a motorcycle accident, you should:
- Contact the police: Local authorities and first responders can help you file a report, and can provide initial treatment if you’ve suffered any injuries.
- Gather information: Take down the names and contact information of any people who were involved in the accident.
- Take photos or video: Capture pictures or video of the accident scene. Include photos of any injuries you have sustained, as well as any damage to your motorcycle.
- Collect witness statements: Getting statements from any witnesses or bystanders is crucial if you need to file a lawsuit. Their comments can be used as evidence, helping the court to determine fault and liability.
- Avoid admitting fault: While you should be cooperative and communicative with the other parties, avoid making any statements regarding your liability or anyone else’s. Your words can be used against you, and it’s possible that you may have an incomplete view of the situation without the help of a lawyer.
- Contact your insurance provider: Let your insurance carrier know about the accident so they can begin the process of evaluating your insurance claim.
- Write an account of what happened: Include the location of the accident, time of day, the direction you were traveling, and the purpose of your trip. Be sure to note any dangerous driving behaviors of the other party. You should do this while the details are still fresh in your memory.
Keeping these steps top-of-mind can help you take action right after an accident. You can jot these steps down and store them somewhere on your motorcycle or in your phone notes.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries and Damages
Motorcycle injuries are often severe and life-changing. A minor crash will be more damaging in a motorcycle crash due to the smaller size of motorcycles. Motorcycle accident injuries frequently result in:
- Broken bones
- Permanent scarring or significant disfigurement
- Loss of important bodily functions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
Not all injuries show up immediately, especially those involving traumatic brain injury. Changes in behavior might only become noticeable later on. You need to take close observation of your actions, speech patterns, and motor functions in the days and weeks following a crash.
Because there can be so many issues involved, you may need to pursue a motorcycle accident lawsuit or a motorcycle accident settlement. Legal action can cover damages and expenses that standard insurance claims often won’t, including:
- Medical costs and bills
- Fees associated with rehabilitation treatments
- Pain and suffering
- Any lost wages, or a loss of the ability to earn wages in the future
- Wrongful death expenses
Calculation of damages involves various factors, including the nature of the injuries and the total time of physical recovery. The other driver’s conduct can drastically affect a monetary damages award, such as when they were extremely negligent or reckless, or were found to be drunk driving.
Protect Yourself From Injury
There are many steps you can take before riding that can increase your safety levels and minimize the risk of injury. Be sure to:
- Perform regular inspections of your bike and gear before you head out
- Follow all road safety and traffic rules
- Leave ahead of schedule so you’re not in a rush
- Always wear proper safety gear — “dress for the slide, not the ride”
For further safety training, you can sign up for motorcycle safety courses in Connecticut. An excellent place to start is the Connecticut Rider Education Program (CONREP) for Motorcycle Safety, which has programs for Basic, Intermediate, Experienced, Advanced, and Sidecar-Trike riders.
How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Dealing with a motorcycle accident claim can put a lot on your mind, especially right after a crash. We understand what you’re going through and how important it is for you to pursue justice. If the careless acts of another driver caused you injury, you may be entitled to recovery.
At The Flood Law Firm, our attorneys are committed to guiding those whose lives have been affected by vehicle accidents.
What sets us apart from other motorcycle accident law firms is our proven ability to try your case. We have handled thousands of injury settlements and have the resources to get your life back on track. Get in touch with us today at (877) 985-9529 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. We’re here to help you receive the compensation you need.
