Motorcycles lack the basic safety features that cars provide. For this reason, motorcyclists are at risk of devastating injuries whenever accidents occur. Unfortunately, no one can be too safe. Accidents happen even for the most experienced bikers. And following one of these devastating crashes, you may have no idea how to move forward.
After a Baytown motorcycle accident, what you should do includes getting to safety, keeping your gear on, contacting the police, checking for injuries, and contacting a motorcycle accident lawyer in Baytown. Mistakes such as leaving the scene too soon are self-destructive. And even if another party caused the crash, fleeing could be interpreted as guilt and fault.
So, to protect yourself from further harm and safeguard your legal rights, here is a breakdown of the steps to take after a motorcycle crash:
Get to Safety
After a Baytown motorcycle accident, the first thing to do is get to safety. Your well-being should be the top priority. Try to remain calm. This will help you make informed decisions about your safety. If you can, get the bike off the road to avoid further risks. Distance yourself from any hazards that could cause harm, such as leaking gasoline and debris.
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Keep Your Gear On
Keep your gear on if you are unsure about the extent of injuries sustained. Wait for the paramedics to assess the situation before removing your helmet and other protective gear.
The helmet supports the neck and spine, so removing it prematurely could strain your neck, resulting in more harm. Motorcyclists who wait for medical assistance have a better chance of recovery and are unlikely to aggravate their injuries.
Contact the Police
Don’t hesitate to contact the local police department even if you think you contributed to the crash. Leaving the scene too soon, contrary to Texas laws, will likely result in penalties. Furthermore, the police will conduct investigations into the details of the crash.
Their findings are pivotal for establishing fault and filing insurance claims. Don’t forget to request a copy of the final police report before leaving.
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Check Yourself for Injuries and Seek Medical Attention
Very few bikers escape a crash unhurt. Unfortunately, not all injuries are identifiable immediately. You must check for any signs and symptoms indicating a severe injury.
For example, if you have cognitive dysfunction, nausea, headaches, or dizziness, you may have suffered a brain injury. As such, you should see a doctor promptly to rule out life-threatening injuries. Documenting your injuries will also be fundamental for filing a motorcycle accident claim.
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Acquire Evidence
If you are not seriously hurt and don’t need immediate medical attention, stay at the scene and acquire as much information as possible about the crash. Take pictures and videos of your bike, your injuries, and the other vehicle if the accident involved a motorist.
Speak to eyewitnesses at the scene and request their contact information and statements. Exchange insurance information with the other motorists.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Letting your insurance company know about the accident is a critical step, even before you decide to file an insurance claim. You are most likely to feel the impact of the crash days or weeks later. But since insurance companies usually require accidents to be reported immediately, waiting too long will hurt your case.
Remember to stick to facts only when speaking with insurance adjusters. Anything you say can be twisted to fit their narrative. Hire a Baytown motorcycle accident attorney to handle insurers and protect yourself from bad-faith insurance.
Contact a Baytown Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The aftermath of a motorcycle crash can be challenging, especially when you have no one to help. Insurance adjusters will press you to settle or deny your claim. Amid the chaos, they can:
- Investigate the accident to determine fault
- Obtain evidence from the scene and police
- Review the financial impact of your losses to value your claim
- Negotiate a settlement with insurers
- Represent you in court if necessary
Many bikers get frustrated getting justice because they didn’t retain a Baytown personal injury lawyer sooner. Others hire general legal practitioners who don’t have experience in motorcycle accidents. When looking for an attorney, assess their background and skill set. Testimonials from past clients are a great place to start.
Reach Out to Lone Star Injury Attorneys to Learn Your Next Steps After a Baytown Motorcycle Accident
Now that you know what to do after a motorcycle accident in Baytown, you can defend your rights better. Reach out to Lone Star Injury Attorneys today and learn why we are The Gold Standard in Personal Injury™.
Please complete our contact form if you have any queries or areas you want our attorneys to address. A qualified motorcycle accident lawyer will be happy to answer your questions.
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