There’s nothing quite as enjoyable and fun as riding a motorcycle through great scenery on beautiful roads throughout Bellaire and other Texas cities. The experience is not only breathtaking but also relaxing. Unfortunately, such trips can take a turn for the worse in a split second.
While you may be a defensive and experienced rider, it only takes the careless mistake of another party to fall off your bike and get seriously injured. Knowing what to do after a Bellaire motorcycle accident can make the difference both for your general well-being and your legal rights.
Learn more about motorcycle crashes, how you should respond, and how a Bellaire motorcycle accident lawyer can help in the aftermath in this guide.
Why Motorcycle Crashes are So Serious
Motorcycle accidents are extremely common in Texas and many other states. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 8,254 motorcycle accidents were reported in 2019.
Sadly, the risk of suffering serious injuries or death in a motorcycle crash is seven times greater than in other auto wrecks. This is primarily based on the lack of reliable safety features in motorcycles.
Although helmets, gloves, and protective clothing can make a difference, they rarely do enough to protect riders from catastrophic injuries, especially when the impact is much greater.
Steps You Should Take After a Bellaire Motorcycle Accident
A motorcycle crash is an overwhelming experience. Lacking the physical protection of other road users, you could have just been seriously injured and have no clue what your next step should be.
Here’s a breakdown of what you should do after a motorcycle accident in Bellaire:
Get to Safety
Before you do anything else, watch out for yourself. Look around your surroundings and identify potential hazards. Are you in harm’s way? But since this may take more time, especially when you are traumatized and confused, the quickest way to ensure your well-being is to get to safety immediately if you can.
For example, if you fell off your bike and are lying across the road, other drivers may not be aware of the accident, therefore exposing you to more harm. Do not try to remove your gears until the paramedics arrive.
Call 911
After getting to safety, ensure you call the police. If your accident occurred in Bellaire, the Bellaire Police Department is the best place to contact. They will help coordinate evacuation efforts with paramedics while securing the scene.
Above all, a team of investigators will be sent to investigate the crash and make it a public record. Do not forget to retain a copy of the final police report since it contains crucial facts about the accident that ultimately help build a case.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you firmly believe you were lucky not to be injured, always ensure that you see a doctor for proper medical assessment, especially when you experience unusual swelling, pain, or discomfort anywhere in the body.
Some life-threatening injuries may not be apparent immediately, and only a thorough medical evaluation can help identify them sooner. Some of these injuries may include severed bones, internal bleeding, and organ damage.
Gather Evidence
If you can, stay at the scene and collect critical facts about your crash even before the police arrive. No matter how straightforward the fault may be, it’s always a good idea to document the accident.
If you can, use your cell phone or any device at your disposal to take photos of the scene, your injuries, the surroundings, damaged property, vehicles involved, and the motorcycle wreckage. Retrieving such vital pieces of information when the scene is already cleared or tampered with can be detrimental to the success of your case.
Exchange Information with the Other Party
Before leaving the scene, make sure to collect and exchange important information with all the parties involved. For example, record the other driver’s insurance information, contact details, names, and addresses. Do not say anything beyond what is necessary since it may be admitted as evidence against you.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Another key step to remember is to notify your insurance company about your accident and injuries. While the need for compensation may not be immediately apparent, following the right procedures as stipulated in your insurance coverage is the best way to have your rights protected.
Call a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
No one knows your rights better than an experienced Bellaire motorcycle accident attorney. By letting a reputable team handle your case, you save a lot of time and energy you would have used to overcome the complicated legal hurdles that entail the compensation process.
What a Lawyer Does to Help with Your Case
Your team of Bellaire personal injury lawyers can handle all the legal aspects of your case in your quest for compensation. Specifically, your attorney will help with:
- Determining fault
- Valuing your claim
- Retaining experts
- Dealing with insurance companies
- Representing you in court
- Filing necessary documentation
While we take on the insurance companies, you can focus on feeling better and picking up the pieces after your Bellaire motorcycle accident.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
Call Lone Star Injury Attorneys After a Motorcycle Accident in Bellaire
At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, we have nearly two decades of combined experience helping victims recover compensation after serious incidents like motorcycle crashes. Learn why we offer The Gold Standard in Personal Injury™ by contacting our team for a free case evaluation as soon as possible. Time matters, so act now before the statute of limitations lapses.
Call or text (832) 346-9585 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
