Driving a motorcycle can be a dangerous activity under the best of circumstances. When another driver’s negligence is involved, the consequences are often deadly. Mississippi roadways are among the most dangerous for motorcycle drivers nationwide—with 12 deaths per 10,000 riders in 2020. That represents a 55% increase over the numbers from 2019. And beyond fatalities, motorcyclists suffer countless injuries every year. Many of these injuries are the direct result of other drivers’ negligence.
At Harris Law Firm, PLLC, we excel at getting victims the compensation they deserve when they are injured by the negligence of others. Our experienced personal injury attorneys know how to protect your rights and hold others accountable. Contact us now and schedule a consultation.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
There are several steps to take after a motorcycle accident that can help you protect yourself and your legal interests.
Seek Safety and Call 911
Get out of the roadway and out of danger as soon as possible. Lingering in the street can lead to further injury. Getting emergency services to the scene as quickly as possible is also essential.
Get Immediate Medical Attention
Some life-threatening injuries might not be evident until after the adrenaline rush of the accident wears off. Other injuries might be impossible to spot without a thorough medical examination. Immediately seeing a medical professional will help protect yourself and your legal right to compensation.
Collect Evidence from the Scene
If you can, gather the contact information of the other drivers and any witnesses. It is also helpful to take photos and videos of the scene immediately following the crash. If you are too injured to collect evidence, ask another to do so.
Contact an Attorney
Proving fault in an auto accident is difficult. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you pursue a claim against the person who injured you.
File an Insurance Claim
File an insurance claim against anyone who is potentially at fault for the accident with the help of your attorney. Insurance adjusters often try to get victims to admit fault or otherwise attempt to reduce their liability. An attorney will help you protect your claim.
What Not to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
There are also responses you should avoid after getting into a motorcycle accident.
Remove Safety Equipment
Wait to remove your safety equipment until prompted by a medical professional. Removing your helmet or other safety gear after a crash can cause or exacerbate your injuries. You should also resist the urge to get your bike off the road.
Try to Walk It Off
Almost every motorcycle accident is serious and hidden injuries can be life-threatening. Many victims initially shrug off their injuries, only to regret the decision later.
Make Statements That Might Hurt Your Case
Avoid making statements to other drivers, witnesses, authorities, and insurance companies that might hurt your case. Fault is for the judge or jury to decide, so never admit fault even if you think you caused the accident. You might be wrong. Also, avoid posting about the accident on social media.
Call Harris Law Firm Today
Knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident in Mississippi is essentially for protecting you and your rights. If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, call us today. Our experienced attorneys will personally evaluate your case and determine how we can help. We will fight to get you the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery.