Approximately 5,000 motorcyclists were involved in fatal accidents in 2019, with thousands more receiving serious injuries. It's important for motorcyclists to be aware of how to prevent accidents, and what to do when one happens.

Keep reading as we explore what happens in a motorcycle accident and the most common reasons they occur.

Common Causes

Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents are easily preventable. Speeding and alcohol consumption are two of the most frequent reasons for crashes. Driving safely, and sober, will drastically reduce the likelihood of you being in a crash.

However, other motorcycle accident causes are harder to eliminate. Left-hand turns, or right-of-way errors, can lead to serious injuries for motorcyclists in collisions with cars. Road conditions are also a significant hazard. This might be due to extreme weather, or the presence of potholes on the road.

Wearing the proper protective clothing, including a helmet, is a good way of reducing the likelihood of life-threatening injuries.

Short-Term Actions

What to do after a motorcycle accident can be divided into the steps that must be taken immediately, and what should be done in the next few days. Here are the actions that must be taken straight away following a motorcycle crash.

First, make sure all people involved in the accident are checked out by doctors, even if they do not show obvious injuries.

You'll need to call the emergency personnel, but do not stray from concise facts when speaking to the police. Tell them what happened without assigning blame to yourself or apologizing.

You'll also need to make contact with a motor vehicle accident and personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Long-term Actions

Following a motorcycle accident, there are several steps to take in the following days. Make sure to set aside time with your motorcycle accident lawyers, as there are often tight deadlines for making legal claims.

Another important step is contacting your insurance company. Similarly to the police, it is important to take care when speaking to your insurance agent. Do not admit any blame for the accident.

Finally, be sure to obtain a copy of the police report. If you're unsure of how to get hold of this, your motor accident lawyer can assist you.

A Final Recap of What Happens in a Motorcycle Accident

• What is the most important thing to do following a motorcycle accident? Seek medical attention, only a certified medical professional can determine how badly you are injured.
• Can you get compensation for your injuries or damage to your motorcycle? Yes, choosing a representative such as Hopkins Law Firm will give you the best possible chance of gaining compensation after an accident.
• How much does it cost to hire an injury lawyer? At Hopkins Law Firm we offer a free case evaluation so you can determine the payout you can expect to receive by taking legal action.

We've now covered what happens in a motorcycle accident and what the most common causes are. For more information about how our legal experts can fight on your behalf, contact us here.