Getting into an accident can be pretty scary, especially on a motorcycle. And according to a 2013 statistic by the Insurance Information Institute, motorcyclists are five times more likely to be injured in an accident than car occupants.

A motorcycle accident might leave you injured, but also angry and wondering what to do next. It’s important to fully understand your rights–that’s where your Ball Eggleston attorneys come in. Once you get yourself to safety, take photos of the damage, and call your insurance company, our experienced attorneys will work with you to help you make sense of the situation and recover your losses. If you find yourself in a motorcycle accident, call Ball Eggleston, and remember these five tips for properly handling the situation.

Get yourself to safety.

The first thing you should do in the event of a motorcycle accident is to remove yourself from the road and oncoming traffic. Doing this will ensure that you won’t get hit again, and it can prevent a traffic jam. In addition, stay away from any roadside drop-offs or cliffs, and keep an eye on any structures that were damaged in the accident in case they collapse. If your vehicle or another driver’s is leaking gas or is on fire, make sure that all passengers are safely out and standing far away.

Call 911.

Next, check for any injuries, and encourage the others involved in the accident to do the same. If any of you are seriously injured, call 911 and describe the injury as well as you can. Even if you can’t see any blood or broken bones, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention if you’re in pain, just in case you have an internal injury. Tell the operator where the accident took place, either by describing the intersection, mile marker, or a nearby well-known landmark. After this, wait with the others involved for local law enforcement and any paramedics to arrive.

Remain calm.

As difficult as this is when you’ve been in an accident, try to keep yourself together. This will help you talk to the police and paramedics calmly about what happened Police officers are much more likely to listen to you and understand the situation if you’re level-headed when describing what happened. It’s also important to refrain from arguing with the others involved in the accident or assigning blame. Chances are that the others are just as shaken up as you are, so staying calm and cordial will put everyone more at ease.

Don’t leave the scene.

Stay to talk to the police, as this will help with determining liability and fault in the accident. Then, get contact and insurance information from the other passengers and drivers, and jot down all vehicles’ make, model, and license plate number for your insurance company. If there were any witnesses to the accident, you also can ask them for their names and contact information if they are willing. They can make a statement to the police or speak to your representative, which could be useful in arguing your case. Again, just make sure these witnesses consent to you contacting them.

Call your insurance company.

This is especially important if you have any serious damages or injuries from the accident. Tell your representative what happened during and after the accident, and give him or her the other drivers’ information–vehicle makes, models, and license plate numbers. Wait to give the specific details on your injuries and damages until you go to the doctor and have a mechanic assess your motorcycle’s damage. This will help you more accurately estimate the compensation you’re entitled to. It’s also a good idea to record incurred expenses like motorcycle repairs and doctors’ visits–again, for compensation reasons. If another driver is liable for your injuries and damages, then you may have a case–and the right to recover your losses.

Ball Eggleston can help.

We understand how scary and confusing getting in an accident can be– that’s why we’re here for you. If you or someone you love has been involved in a motorcycle accident, Ball Eggleston can answer your questions and help you receive the compensation and peace of mind that you deserve. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will work with you every step of the way to get you back on your feet. Contact us or call (765) 742-9046 today for a free initial consultation.

Ball Eggleston is located at 201 Main Street, Suite 810 P.O. Box 1535 Lafayette, IN 47902. Contact Ball Eggleston by phone at (765) 742-9046, by fax at (765) 742-1966, or by email at info@ball-law.com. For additional information, find Ball Eggleston online at www.ball-law.com. You can also find us on Facebook and YouTube.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is intended to be general and informational in nature. It is advertising material and is not intended to be, nor is it, legal advice to or for any particular person, case, or circumstance. Each situation is different, and you should consult an attorney if you have any questions about your situation.