Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know About Motorcycle Accident

No matter how great a defensive motorcycle driver you are accidents will happen. While you may be the most cautious rider on the planet, many drivers are not. Some car and truck drivers play a totally offensive game, while others have difficulty picking up bikers in their mirrors or are generally oblivious to motorcyclists.

I once had an accident where I was legally turning my bike around just below the crest of a hill when I went down on an oil slick. Some minor damage was done, but if a car came flying over the crest I would have been a dead duck and both me and my bike totaled!  It can happen any place, any time while you are riding.

While the factors in many motorcycle accidents are similar to regular motor vehicle incidents, the results are usually much more devastating to both the motorcycle and more importantly the rider. With no protection other than a helmet (always wear a helmet) and perhaps some safety clothing, unfortunately even a moderate hit can cause devastating injuries.

Make Sure You Have Adequate Insurance Coverage

First of all, make sure you have adequate insurance coverage. Many riders illegally don’t cover their bikes, while others go the cheap route with minimum coverage. Both are recipes for disaster if you have a bad accident.

If you have an accident immediately notify the police to document the incident. Also, call your insurance company to report the accident.

While waiting for the police, and if physically able, collect as much information as possible. If you are injured and feel you will need immediate medical attention obviously make that your first priority!

If you are able to document the accident get all the information you can, witnesses’ names, the contact information of the person you were in the accident with, and photos. Yes, photos. Use your cell phone to document the incident and damage.

Injury

If you are injured or shook up and not able to gather information, try to enlist a Good Samaritan at the scene to do it for you.

If you are able to walk away from the accident, still seek medical attention after you get home. Even if you feel fine a doctor should evaluate your condition. You may have internal injuries, unknown head trauma or other problems that may not be apparent to you.

If you are transported to the hospital make sure you keep a well-documented paper trail of all of your medical records to present to your insurance company or the court if a lawsuit is involved.

In today’s world of litigation, it is inevitable that someone will be sued, or you will have a long fight ahead of you to collect medical costs.

Take Legal Advice

Across the UAE there are many legal firms that advertise their services if you have a motorcycle accident and are injured. While many of these companies provide outstanding service and support many motorcycle shows and rallies, it might be best to first contact your family attorney for advice on how to proceed.

Check out some good advice for passing a motorcycle test in Dubai.