What To Do In Case Of An Accident
As stated in another article, no one goes out looking to get in an accident, and as riders, we do everything we can to avoid one (for ideas, see 10 Steps To Accident Avoidance)
However, s- - t can happen, even to the most aware rider. If it does, it is a good idea to have an idea as to what to do if an accident happens. Better to be prepared for what has to be done ahead of time. The following are some thoughts as to hopefully help make the aftermath a bit easier.
The most important item is you and your well being. Take care of you first, and worry about the bike later, if at all. The least most important item in an accident is your bike. They are making more bikes all the time.
But…. If you have an accident, and still want to ride, get back into the saddle as soon as you can, and you also may want to seek professional help to help with this before you do. That depends on you and how you feel.
No matter what, stay in control by not rushing to conclusions\, take a deep breath, and think things through carefully.
However, s- - t can happen, even to the most aware rider. If it does, it is a good idea to have an idea as to what to do if an accident happens. Better to be prepared for what has to be done ahead of time. The following are some thoughts as to hopefully help make the aftermath a bit easier.
- Do not admit fault!!! No matter how bad it k\looks to be you causing the accident, do not help those involved by blurting out that you were the cause. You may think you are but could be in a state of shock and would agree to anything just make others happy. As well, if you declare it was your fault, you will be solely responsible for whatever transpires. Let the accident investigation teams from the police or insurance companies make their determination. You would be surprised how many people have claimed responsibility and upon further investigation, were not.
- Exchange license and insurance information. If you can, include photos of the license and insurance cards, and also of the driver and occupants of the vehicle(s) involved with you. Note the driver. Who knows, the driver may not be the one claiming to be the driver once the authorities get there.
- Look for potential witnesses (if any). Take pictures of any license plates that may be relevant (again, if you have the ability if your cell phone is not damaged).
- Take pictures of the accident scene before anyone has a chance to move their vehicles.
- Call 911. This is extremely important! You want the authorities to come to the scene, no matter how minor you think it is. You also want the paramedics there, and get checked out. If they want to transport you to the hospital for observation, do it, no matter how good you feel. Speaking from experience, adrenaline can offset and mask deeper physical issues that you are not aware of right now. It is later when they start to show just how banged up you can get. Most insurance companies will pick up the ambulance tab. Remember, if you refuse medical assistance, you will have little recourse later on if any physical ailments occur. Tying them to your accident will be almost impossible, and you could be on the hook for any medical bills associated with them.
- Insurance - If you are riding outside of your province or state, it would be best for you to check with your individual insurance providers to see if you are covered (different provinces and states may only accept certain brands of insurance, therefore better to have extra, additional insurance that you hopefully will never need to use than not having enough or the correct type and be charged through the nose for medical services. It happens!
- Carry a next of kin / In Case of Emergency contacts list on you, and one of the best places is inside your helmet, because it goes with you everywhere you do. Oh, you don’t wear a helmet? Then you probably will not be able to tell the authorities or medical staff whom to contact. Got the idea?
- Towing or Removal - If you are going to have the bike transported to a repair facility, or a junk yard, get a written quote as to the expense. More than one tow truck job that seemed pretty straight forward and inexpensive has cost big bucks because some towing companies charge crazy prices as they believe you will be paid by the insurance company upon request. Not always so. If you are a CAA or AAA member, check the back of your membership card and call the toll free number there. Almost all towing companies which are a CAA or AAA affiliate are reasonable and you are covered by CAA or AAA (but check to see what coverage you have for either CAA or AAA. It varies depending on your membership.
- If offered a settlement by the other party, no matter how good it looks and sounds, it would be in your best interest to consult some legal advice.
- Bike Condition -Depending on the severity of the accident, most bikes become a write-off. In some jurisdictions, if the bike was pretty much a write-off but was fixed enough to be called a “salvaged”, "rebuilt", or something similar, they become increasingly hard to trade or sell, or insure down the road. Think with your head, not your heart if you have to put the bike out of its misery.
The most important item is you and your well being. Take care of you first, and worry about the bike later, if at all. The least most important item in an accident is your bike. They are making more bikes all the time.
But…. If you have an accident, and still want to ride, get back into the saddle as soon as you can, and you also may want to seek professional help to help with this before you do. That depends on you and how you feel.
No matter what, stay in control by not rushing to conclusions\, take a deep breath, and think things through carefully.