Motorcycle accidents in Illinois happen in all settings and within all communities. While the Illinois Department of Transportation reports that most motorcycle accidents occur in urban areas, rural areas are not too much safer in regards to motorcycle safety. If you travel on your motorcycle for leisure or to travel to work, you are at risk of being involved in an accident that could leave you with minor or severe injuries.
While you may not want to think about what could happen, it is important that you know what to do in case you are involved in a motorcycle accident. Here are just a few things to keep in mind, as staying refreshed on these tips will keep you thinking clearly during, and in the aftermath of, a motorcycle accident.
Safety First
Your motorcycle safety begins before you even leave your driveway. Before you hit the road on your motorcycle, assure that your bike is in safe working order. Put on your helmet, along with any other protective gear, and be sure that you have your insurance information readily available. It is also helpful to have your emergency contact information in your phone, as well as somewhere on your bike or on your person.
Better Safe Than Sorry
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, remember to take medical assistance if it is offered to you. For many accident victims, injury is not always apparent at the time of the incident. Thanks to our body’s fight or flight response, endorphins often keep us from feeling initial pain or shock at the scene.
Head to the doctor as soon as you can. This precaution can assure that you are evaluated for shock, whiplash, and other conditions that may not pop up until well after the crash. Your doctor’s evaluation will also serve as a baseline for any ongoing complications you may have months or years after the incident.
Monitor How You Are Feeling
Finally, after you are safe at home, closely monitor how you are feeling. Injuries from a motorcycle accident can persist for well after the incident. In fact, some accident victims don’t even realize that certain medical issues they are experiencing actually stem from the accident. Keep a journal of how you are feeling, or simply ask a loved one to keep track of any odd medical complaints or concerns.
Call Grewer Law
The team at Grewer Law is ready to be your legal advocate, working through insurance paperwork and claims issues while you focus on your healthy recovery. The sooner we are aware of the accident details, along with any medical concerns that are due to the incident, the sooner we can begin fighting for the outcome you deserve.
Motorcycle accidents can have serious medical complications for years to come. Start your trip being as safe as you can, but also know what to do in case of emergency. The right follow up steps can keep you healthy and financially sound.