6 Things You Should Do After A Motorcycle Accident In South Carolina
Motorcycle accidents are different from typical car accidents. Motorcycles lack many essential safety features that protect occupants in a car accident. This increases the risk that someone involved in a motorcycle accident will be seriously injured or, even worse, killed. Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger vehicle occupants and five times more likely to be injured. In South Carolina alone, it is reported there were more deaths from motorcycle accidents in 2021 than in any year in the past four decades.
Following a motorcycle accident, what you do will have a bearing on how well you heal from the accident, both physically and mentally, along with whether you stand a chance of securing just compensation. Here are six things you should do after a motorcycle accident.
1. Get to safety
The first thing you should do is analyze your surroundings and current situation. If you can, get out of the road and onto the sidewalk. If you're unable to move, ask for help from people around you so that they can block traffic. Prioritize your safety over that of your vehicle.
2. Call the police
If you are able, you should contact 911. The dispatcher will send police and emergency medical personnel to the accident scene. This is important to ensure you receive immediate medical attention and that the accident scene is immediately investigated by the police officer. He/she will talk to you, the other involved motorist, and any witnesses, and document their findings in a police report. The report can provide you and your attorney with important information about the accident if you decide to pursue compensation in a lawsuit.
3. Do not remove your protective gear
After an accident, you may be in shock, and the adrenaline may prevent you from feeling pain or injuries. Wait for paramedics to arrive before you remove your helmet and other gear to avoid exacerbating injuries. If you're in a safe place away from other moving vehicles, stay put and wait for help to arrive. If you can move without pain, consider using your phone's camera to document the scene of the accident and any damage to your motorcycle while you wait.
4. Seek medical attention.
Even if you don't think you're injured, it's always best to get checked out by a medical professional after an accident. Many injuries that initially appear to be minor can later cause chronic pain, long-term effects, and possibly disable you from living a normal life. These injuries are referred to as delayed injuries and must be documented immediately to prove they were caused by the accident and not some other event. The sooner you get the proper diagnostic tests and appropriate medical care, the sooner you can begin recovery. It is also important to remember to return to your doctor if you experience any new symptoms that were not apparent during the initial treatment.
5. Gather evidence.
It's always a good idea to gather evidence immediately after an accident. If you can, make sure to take photos of the scene of the accident, as well as your injuries. Obtain a copy of the police report and speak with the other driver to swap insurance information.
6. Speak with a motorcycle accident attorney and your insurance company.
When is the best time to speak with a personal injury lawyer? The sooner, the better. Hiring a motorcycle accident attorney can make all the difference in your insurance settlement. Most of the time, insurance companies will offer you the lowest amount possible, but an accident attorney can help negotiate with insurance companies. It's always a good idea to consult with an attorney before accepting any settlement. Your attorney will usually speak with your insurance company on your behalf, but regardless of who contacts your insurance company, you should always speak with them promptly.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you are entitled to sue for damages when injuries or fatalities result. When motorcycles are involved, the severity of injuries increases. As with any personal injury case, there is a statute of limitations during which a claim should be filed. In South Carolina, the injured party has three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. To receive maximum compensation for your injuries, you should immediately reach out to a personal injury attorney.
Need help? Call the attorneys at HHP Law Group
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in South Carolina and have questions regarding the next steps in the process and actions you need to take to succeed in financial compensation, schedule a free consultation with our attorneys by calling 803-400-8277 or visiting our contact page.
At HHP Law Group, our attorneys want to help you return to your normal life as quickly as possible.