Motorcycle accidents almost always result in injuries for riders, and are notorious for their fatalities. Even if you were fortunate enough to get out with mere scrapes and bruises, the emotional and psychological trauma will likely continue to take a toll for years to come.
As such, survivors have to take a slew of steps to help their body and mind fully recover from the accident, before hitting the roads again.
In this article, we cover some of the immediate steps that need to be taken right after the incident, along with a series of measures to help recover mentally and receive the necessary compensation for your traumatic experience.
- Get Immediate Medical Attention
It often goes without saying, but the first step to take after a motorcycle accident is to call 911, and request immediate medical attention. Even if you don’t feel any pain right away, there may be numerous soft tissue injuries, concussions, and internal issues that might prove to be life threatening without a thorough medical examination.
Oftentimes, the adrenaline rush may prevent us from realizing certain pains and injuries, which will only come to light after a few minutes have passed. Another reason to undergo a medical checkup immediately is to document injuries resulting from the accident right away, that comes in handy over the next few steps.
- Assess The Impact
Once you receive the necessary medical attention, and are free from any life threatening dangers, it is time to assess any impact that the accident has had on your physical and mental wellbeing. Some of these issues aren’t evident right away, and will likely linger in the background before becoming more pronounced, especially when it comes to mental and emotional traumas.
It is essential to be mindful of how your mind and body is reacting, and any visible changes following the accident should be reported to a qualified medical professional right away. Regular therapy sessions following a traumatic event can be very beneficial for victims, but most people tend to avoid that unless they have a clear problem that needs attention.
- Ascertain Damages
Beyond the physical and mental impact, accidents involve monetary damages, such as the repairs or replacement of your bike, lost wages, and medical bills, among other things. If you’ve had to miss work because of hospitalization, or no vehicle, it is only fair that you get compensated for it. For long-term impacts, such as disability, or loss of quality of life, the damages should scale accordingly.
A non-fatal motorcycle accident can cost anywhere between $1,500 to $1.5 million in damages, inclusive of all medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and permanent disability. In 2010, motorcycle accidents are said to have resulted in damages worth $16 billion in the US alone, and this was before factoring in long-term expenses and disability. So, this definitely isn’t something that must be taken lightly.
- Contact A Specialist Lawyer In Your State (e.g. Atlanta)
In order to claim compensation for your damages, and navigate the legal and regulatory landscape effectively, it is best to have an attorney by your side, preferably someone who specializes in personal injury, or motorcycle accident cases. An experienced attorney can help ascertain damages, and make your case to help you get compensated for your traumatic experience.
A knowledgeable and experienced motorcycle accident lawyer should ideally charge nothing upfront, and share in the compensation awarded. This is precisely how most personal injury lawyers practice in Atlanta, and is likely the same in other states of the country.
Final Words
Meeting with an accident while riding on a motorcycle can be dreadful, something that can crush your self-confidence, and prevent you from hitting the high roads ever again. Taking the necessary steps, and being compensated for your losses, however, can help you deal with this incident just a little bit better.