How to Recover from a Motorcycle Accident

Anyone who owns a motorcycle knows the inherent risks that come with riding a bike. To put it simply, motorcycles just don’t provide the same level of protection as passenger vehicles. Sadly, this leads to some pretty sobering statistics. Motorcycle riders are 27 times more likely to die in an accident than a passenger of a motor vehicle. Those that do survive motorcycle accidents often suffer lifelong physical and financial consequences.

Help, however, is available. An experienced personal injury attorney can help get you back on the path to recovery.

5 Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident

Nobody plans to be in an accident. But the truth is, every decision you make following your accident can have a dramatic effect on your recovery. As always, you should always prioritize your health over anything else.

If you are in an accident, the following steps can help expedite your recovery:

1. Stay at the scene: Regardless of who is at fault in the accident, it is never a good idea to leave the scene. In fact, in Texas, it is against the law to leave the scene of an accident where the accident results in injury or death. Additionally, staying at the scene allows you the opportunity to gather evidence that can help you in a personal injury case.
2. Talk to the other driver: Even if you don’t plan to make a claim with your insurance or file a personal injury suit, it’s important to exchange insurance information with the other party. While you may feel fine at the time of the accident, things can quickly change. If you do not have the other person’s information, it makes it harder to file a personal injury suit. When you exchange information, be sure to get the other party’s first and last name, phone number, the name of their insurance company, and their policy number.
3. Gather evidence: Evidence plays a big role in your personal injury case. It’s important to emphasize, if you have suffered a serious injury or are in pain, you should not risk further injury to attempt to gather evidence. If you can get up and move around, take pictures. Helpful photos include pictures of any damage to your bike or the other vehicle, physical damage, including skid marks or damaged road signs, and the location where the accident occurred.
4. Go to the doctor: Motorcycle accidents are serious. You should never write off pain or other symptoms as a normal side effect of an accident. Pain, headaches, and irritability are not normal and are a sign that something is wrong. For serious injuries, wait for an ambulance to arrive at the scene. If you feel you can safely transport yourself away from the accident, try to visit an urgent care center or your primary care physician the day of the accident.
5. Contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney: While it may seem like your injuries are manageable now, injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents can get worse when you least expect it. These injuries can potentially lead to time off of work and mounting medical debt. You’re not in this alone. An experienced attorney can help you fight for what you deserve.

Delayed Signs of Serious Injuries After a Crash

Unfortunately, many signs of injury do not appear until hours or even days after an accident. This is why it is so important to pay attention to anything that doesn’t feel right.

Injuries that may result in delayed symptoms include:

• Traumatic brain injuries: Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury may not appear right away. But they can quickly take turn for the worse. Traumatic brain injuries occur when the brain sustains a hard hit or a penetrating injury. One of the best ways to prevent serious head injuries is to wear a helmet every time you rid. Unfortunately, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, DOT-compliant helmet use was only at 71 percent in one recent year. If you experience headaches, confusion, irritability, or other symptoms of a TBI, seek medical treatment immediately.
• Spinal cord injuries: Believe it or not, symptoms of a spinal cord injury can appear days after your initial injury. Symptoms can begin to worsen as the spinal cord swells. Spinal cord injuries often lead to permanent paralysis, but treatment might arrest the symptoms before they progress. Common symptoms to watch for include extreme neck or back pain, tingling or numbness, difficulty walking breathing, and loss of bowel or bladder control.
• Infection: Infection can occur even with minor cases of road rash. But left untreated, they can be life-threatening. If you have any open sores or abrasions after an accident, it’s a good idea to get checked out. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or ointments to help your injuries heal.

Possible Damages After a Motorcycle Crash

Far too many victims ignore the signs of a serious injury out of concern for the associated costs. This should never happen. After an accident, the law allows victims to pursue relief from the at-fault party.

In Texas, victims have two years to file a motorcycle accident suit from the date of the accident. Possible damages include:

• Medical costs, including doctor visits, medical transportation, hospitals stays, medication, and rehabilitation services
• Lost wages, including future lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of enjoyment
• Punitive damages, in the case of gross negligence or intentional harm
• Wrongful death

An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can evaluate your case and help you understand the best steps moving forward.

Your Recovery Is in Sight

Motorcycle accidents are serious. The only thing that matters following a crash is your recovery. Your rights are important. Don’t hesitate to get the care you deserve. If you or a loved one has been in a motorcycle accident, you may seek financial compensation. To learn more, contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.