The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motorcycles have a fatality rate of 72 per 100,000. Motorcyclists can suffer catastrophic injuries from these accidents, including road rash, brain injuries, spinal injuries, and neck injuries. They are also at a greater risk of a fatal accident per mile traveled, meaning the more they travel, the more likely they are to be involved in an accident. If you ride a motorcycle, the chances of you getting into an accident are high, which is why today we discuss what you should avoid doing if this happens to you.
What Should You Avoid Doing if You Are Involved in a Motorcycle Crash?
Whether you were involved in a collision in the past or have never experienced anything like it, it is helpful to know what not to do in these situations. We compiled a list of what to avoid post-accident for you to reference below:
Do not lay your motorcycle down
Some motorcyclists believe that laying down their motorcycle will help them avoid an accident. This is extremely dangerous as it removes your ability to control the motorcycle. You will not be able to steer, brake, or turn at all. Instead, you must hope that your motorcycle will not hit anything as it slides across the road, rattling and bouncing until it comes to a stop or collides into something else.
Stay on your motorcycle and try to avoid the collision by breaking, slowing down, or turning safely away. You have more control over the motorcycle when it is upright.
Do not move the motorcycle after a crash
If you were involved in a motorcycle crash, the chances that you were injured are high. As a result, you should not move after an accident if you feel that you sustained massive trauma to your head, neck, and/or spine.
Additionally, as you need to gather evidence from the scene if you wish to pursue a personal injury claim, you will want to leave your motorcycle where it is so the police can include these details in their police report.
Do not allow the driver responsible to sway you from calling your insurance company and/or attorney
It is common for a driver to want to leave the insurance companies out of a car accident to avoid an increase in their insurance premium. However, if you suffered a serious injury, you deserve to be compensated for much more than this driver is willing to pay up front. Speak to your attorney if you were severely injured first.
Do not avoid speaking with a lawyer
If you were severely injured in a crash, contact a lawyer immediately. A motorcycle accident can lead to expensive losses, and you cannot rely on your insurance company for fair compensation. You need help understanding your rights, gathering evidence, and proving your case, which is why it is important to consult with an experienced attorney.
Do you need assistance with your personal injury claim? Contact our office online to schedule a consultation.