Driving a motorcycle is fun but potentially dangerous. In 2017, there were 501 motorcyclists killed in 2017 in accidents in the state of Texas.

If you are a motorcyclist, you need to take certain precautions like wearing a helmet. You also need to be aware of the proper protocol in case you get into a crash.

Here are six tips to remember if you get into a motorcycle accident in Houston. 

1. Get Out of Harm’s Way

If you are conscious and able to move, if you have been in a motorcycle accident in Houston or another urban area, you need to get off of the road.  If you are on a busy street, you do not want to make the accident worse with other vehicles colliding with the first crash.

Get to the side of the road. If you are able to get your bike out of the way, that’s great-  but make sure all the people involved are OK before you worry about the vehicles,

2. Check For Injuries 

Medical issues need to take priority. Check the passengers on the bike and in any cars that may have been involved, in addition to any pedestrians.

Contact 911 immediately if there are visible signs of injury like blood, unconsciousness or broken bones. 

3. Call the Police 

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident,  you need to contact the police immediately. It’s a big mistake to just “let it go” if there are no apparent injuries or if you just don’t feel like getting involved with bureaucracy. 

Sometimes people blame the motorcyclist automatically in an accident, even if they were not at fault. Don’t let those stereotypes prevent you from involving the authorities. 

The interviews, evidence and report that police will take on the scene may be integral to any subsequent legal proceedings.

4. Take Photos and Get Insurance information 

If you are able to, use your cellphone to take photos of the scene of the accident. Document the vehicles involved, any debris or tire skids,  and the weather and light conditions at the location.

You should also exchange basic insurance and contact information with others involved in the accident. However, refrain from engaging in conversation beyond a basic “Are you OK?”  Do not under any circumstances apologize or admit to causing the accident.

5. Get Checked Out by a Doctor 

Even if you do not feel like you were hurt in any way, get checked out by a doctor quickly after the incident. Some injuries especially those to the neck or spine may not surface for a few hours. You may not realize the extent of your injuries until a little later.

You may also not realize the impact the accident has had on you for while. You may be in shock initially. You may later experience not only physical pain but post-traumatic stress. PTSD can impact your ability to work, your relationships and your ability to enjoy life in general. 

You will need medical diagnoses of these symptoms if you choose to engage in a personal injury lawsuit to compensate you for your injuries. 

6. Contact an Attorney 

You should contact an attorney as soon as you can after being involved in an accident. If the accident involved a motorcycle, you will want to contact a lawyer who has experience in personal injury cases involving motorcycles. 

If you do not have a lawyer already, you want to do your research. Interview a couple of attorneys to see whom you like and trust. Make sure you ask important questions like how much will it cost. 

If You Have Been in a Motorcycle Accident in Houston, There is Help Available

If you have been in a motorcycle accident in Houston, you may be shaken up, sore and upset. However, there is help available, You have legal rights in this situation, and you will want to find out how you can get back to how life once was.

For more information on personal injury law and what to do if you’ve been hurt in an accident, check out our site.