Being involved in an accident can be a harmful, debilitating, and intimidating experience that yields psychological aftermath. Not only this, but it can also be stressful and confusing. Mostly, they happen because drivers and motorcyclists alike do not follow the traffic regulations they are supposed to. This negligence can be expected mainly from the younger drivers. According to Denver city data, 84 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in 2021, which broke the city’s record of 71 deaths in 2019.
When you get your driver’s license, you are given only a modicum of the circumstances surrounding accidents. However, it is completely different on the road. Similarly, you never know what might happen, crossing roads and walking your way to the bus. Even with Denver’s streets laid out logically, and the driving termed safe by Tripadvisor, we would recommend that you keep an eye open when visiting, even more so if you’re a resident there.
Motorcycle accidents occur the most than car accidents in the Denver area. Traffic signs, rules, and regulations are there for a reason. If you, God forbid, find yourself in a car accident in that area and are looking for a Denver motorcycle accident lawyer, you should look out for the right kind that specializes in motorcycle accidents.
If you ever get into an accident, what should you do next? We will take you through a miniature guide of things you need to do and, most importantly, those you don’t.
Motorcycle Accidents
The first thing you need to do, no matter what accident you’ve been in, is to check yourself and assess the situation. Checking injuries may be problematic, for the rush of adrenaline will dull the pain. Broken bones are for the hospital staff to cater to. But if you feel any blood, or see any on your body, make a note immediately. You will very soon be approached by helpers. Make sure you inform them of where you think you’ve been hurt. Feel your neck and back, wiggle your toes and move your feet to be sure of the injuries.
Chances are, a doctor will approach you from the crowd. If not, the first person to approach you should call 911. If you are capable of taking pictures of anything that will help the claim, the damage on your bike, or pictures of your injury, make sure you go ahead and do that first. Or ask a second helper to take the pictures for you. Tell them it’s for an injury claim, and they will readily help you.
If you are injured, you do not need to worry about moving your bike off the road. Someone else will take care of it. But if you think you are okay, make sure that the first thing you do after assessing your injuries is to move your bike. Finally, when you are done with the hospital, and the doctors have given you an a-okay, call your insurer and speak to witnesses. This will start the claims process, giving your company enough time to process all the details you provide them of the accident. They will send an agent who might conduct an investigation of their own, and you will need to be thorough with them.
Here’s A Little Tip – Never Admit Fault
While communicating with the police, be careful of what you tell them. Everything goes on the record and can be used legally, either for or against you. Be truthful in what you tell them, but do not admit that it was your fault even if it was; there is no point in claiming your insurance otherwise.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are different from motorcycle accidents. Unlike bike accidents, your car takes the brunt, but this depends on the severity of the accident. Insurance claims could get complicated if you were not driving alone. But it helps if you have with you your current insurance ID card, your vehicle registration, and a first aid kit.
First and foremost, check yourself for injuries. If you were not alone in the car, assess any injuries (if any) the other passengers might have sustained. Call 911 or ask someone for help. If an ambulance is required, it will be there in a bit. Next, you need to move your car out of the way if possible. At certain times, it helps if you carry traffic signs with you. You can usher other drivers out of the way, keeping them safe. If your engine is busted, you cannot possibly expect to move it out of the way. So, keep the hazard lights on – that should give the other drivers enough idea of what has happened.
Take Pictures Of Your Car, And Assess The Damage
If other drivers were involved in the accident, make sure you take their contact information, license plate numbers, and policy numbers so that they can help you file your claim. Even with cars, be truthful, for there is CCTV footage the insurance company will inspect. But never admit fault, again.
You will have to stay on the scene in case you do not have serious injuries, especially if you believe the accident was not your fault. Gather as much key information as you can; it will all come in handy when negotiating with your insurance provider.
What’s done is done. You need to think of the future now. Your claim will be processed in due time, but you must also put some thought into avoiding accidents altogether. In the case of bikes, drive slowly and carefully. Do not speed unnecessarily, and do not take sharp turns. Never drive without your helmet and gloves. Make sure you pay attention to your bike’s upkeep. With cars, keep a first aid kit, always put your seat belt on, and be even more cautious with driving with passengers. In car accidents, your car takes the brunt of your damage. Claiming insurance, in this case, is tricky. With evidence, witnesses, and the truth on your side, there won’t be any room for the insurance company to follow through with your money.