It’s no secret that riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving a vehicle. Thus, you are 28 times more likely to die in a motorcycle accident than in a car accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the number of motorcyclists killed in accidents reduced by about five percent to 4,985 in 2018, but this is still an alarmingly high number.

Even if you survive a crash, you can still have a long and arduous road to physical and financial recovery ahead of you. Medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses can add up. While this is preferable to your family having to file a wrongful death claim, it can be a complicated and stressful process. You want the help of the right motorcycle accident attorney.

Potentially Fatal Injuries to Motorcyclists

While many people survive their motorcycle crashes, nearly 5,000 per year are not so fortunate. This is because many common injuries to motorcyclists have the potential to be fatal, whether someone dies at the scene of the crash or later after life-saving efforts. Some possibly fatal injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injury
• Severed body parts
• Severe lacerations
• Internal hemorrhaging
• Internal organ damage
• Fourth-degree burns

Even with the right medical help, some motorcyclists do not survive these types of injuries. Many factors can determine your chances of surviving a crash, including speed, type of collision, the other vehicles involved, whether you wore a helmet, and more.

What to Do After a Motorbike Accident

It’s critical to know how to respond after surviving a motorcycle accident with injuries. Here are some suggested steps:

• Remain at the accident site – The law requires that you stop and stay at the accident scene to exchange insurance plus other relevant contact details.
• Seek immediate medical attention – Seek immediate medical attention because some accidental injuries may not manifest themselves immediately. This way, you help your attorney fortify your case by offering them concrete evidence about your injuries’ extent.
• Call the police – Call the California Highway Patrol or the nearest local police department. Law enforcers help gather concrete evidence at the site before it’s tampered with.
• Collect information – Shoot pictures and videos of the accident site. If possible, get the names and contact details of any potential witnesses. 
• Call your insurer – Call your insurer and provide all the relevant information irrespective of who was at fault.

When to Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in California

Handling motorcycle accident claims in California is challenging. Therefore, engage an attorney when:

• The other parties involved in the accident are denying responsibility
• The insurer has denied or is most likely to deny you deserved compensation
• You’ve suffered serious physical injuries that will cost you much money to treat or cause you to miss work and lose income

Surviving a motorcycle accident is a great privilege. However, getting fair and timely compensation can be challenging— both inside and outside the courts. Fortunately, you can engage a reputable California motorcycle attorney to assist you.