According to Statista, motorcycles are the vehicle of choice after cars and bicycles when it comes to private modes of transportation. Motorcycles have many features that contribute to their popularity.
Some people like the lesser maintenance costs of owning a motorcycle, while others enjoy the adrenaline and thrill of riding a bike.
However, despite its many advantages, such as its small size, and better efficiency, a motorcycle causes many safety concerns. The compact size of motorcycles leaves little to no space for important safety features.
Therefore, most motorcycle manufacturers make do with limited features that offer minimal protection.
Motorcycle Accidents in Colorado
According to KOAA, motorcycle accidents have a high injury and fatality rate. In 2022 alone, almost 150 Colorado residents died from motorcycle accidents, with Denver being among the top 5 counties contributing to the death toll.
Due to the striking number of motorcycle-related deaths, the Colorado Department of Transportation has introduced stringent laws for motorists to adhere to. The Centennial State is also focused on raising awareness regarding motorcycle safety and has named May ‘the Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.’
What Should You Do in a Motorcycle Accident
A motorcycle accident is a terrible thing to experience. Even if you manage to avoid any life-threatening injuries, the recovery process is slow and painful, during which time people are often left unable to work or function normally. That is why it is necessary to seek legal help.
Your best course of action would be to find a Denver motorcycle crash lawyer with experience in dealing with road accidents of a similar nature.
However, these are things you should get to in due time. As a motorcycle owner, you need to know what to do immediately after finding yourself in an accident. These steps can be the difference between life and death for you, literally and figuratively.
To help prepare you for such an unfortunate incident, here are five things you need to know if you are ever involved in a motorcycle accident.
1. Get to Safety
The first and most important thing you must do whenever involved in any road accident is to get yourself to safety. That means creating a reasonable distance between yourself and the crash site.
Automotive accidents often come with terrible post-effects, such as fires and explosions, so focus on getting yourself to a safe place. If you have trouble moving due to your injuries, seek the help of bystanders.
2. Call 911
This is hardly news, but the first call you need to make in case of an emergency is 911. However, many people involved in a motorcycle accident often delay making that call due to shock.
Remember that help can only come to you if you call for it. The more you delay calling 911, the more time it will take for medical assistance to reach you. Therefore, make that call within the first 5 minutes of the accident.
If you can’t find your phone or have damaged it during the accident, request someone else to make the call.
3. Don’t Remove your Gear
A helmet is the most important thing for riding a motorcycle as it can protect you during and after an accident. After an accident, most motorists want to remove their helmets and other protective gear immediately without realizing that this can lead to serious injuries.
Upon impact, you may have suffered a head or neck injury that could worsen if the helmet is not removed carefully. The rash movement of removing your helmet can cause spinal or nerve damage that can have devastating effects. Therefore, keep your protective gear on until the paramedics arrive.
4. Be Mentally Aware
An accident can leave you mentally shaken. However, this is when you need to remain focused and attentive to your surroundings. From memorizing the details of the vehicle to the appearance of its driver, your eyes must serve as a recording device, taking in every development and happening that takes place. A road accident generally leads to a police case. Therefore, the more you can retain about the incident, the better off your case will be.
5. Know the Witnesses
The eyewitnesses of an accident offer the most concrete form of evidence. If you were not at fault for the accident, you may be entitled to legal compensation. This includes many things, such as medical expenses, loss of income, mental stress, and general damages.
Whether or not you choose to take legal action against the other driver, it is advised to take the contact details of the eyewitnesses so that you may be able to reach out to them if needed.
Final Words
A motorcycle accident can be devastating. It can leave you with lifelong injuries or disabilities and can also be a source of long-term trauma. However, by following the guidelines highlighted in this article, you can try to minimize the damage suffered by you and gain the rightful compensation for your suffering.
In any case, we are the ones responsible for our safety. Therefore, remember to follow all motorcycle laws and safety guidelines mandated by the Colorado Department of Transportation and remain alert while driving.
