Michigan has over 255,000 registered motorcycles, which is not a large figure for its population. In fact, Michigan is in the lower half of the states in terms of motorcycle ownership per 100,000 residents. 

Its motorcycle accident rates are not as high, either. However, these statistics do not matter for the many who get into an accident. All that matters is they have been in an accident and want the best outcomes in their cases if another person is at fault. 

This guide can help prepare you for the best outcomes by highlighting critical steps to take after an accident. 

Stay Calm and Get Help

Accidents are rattling in their nature because they are unexpected. One moment, you will be doing what you love without a care in the world; the next, you are sprawled on the road and cannot even comprehend what happened. Such occurrences are understandably a cause of panic, but the faster you can snap out of it, the better it will be for you and, ultimately, the outcomes of your case. 

As soon as you get your composure, or when you can, call 911 even if you are not in apparent pain. The adrenaline rush when in a panic can mask your pain even when you could be suffering severe internal injuries, so getting checked out at the scene helps rule out non-obvious injuries.

If you do not get checked out at the scene, visit the ER at your own pace, but don't wait too long, and importantly, don't wait more than 72 hours. 

Gather Evidence

There will be some minutes between placing a 911 call and having the police and paramedics arrive at the scene, allowing you some time to gather scene evidence. The most effective evidence-gathering strategy after a motorcycle accident is taking pictures and recording video footage of the scene, which you can do yourself or ask an onlooker to help if your injuries cannot allow you. This is also the best time to gather eyewitness testimonies and contact information.

Medical records are a critical part of evidence as they help in proving harm, a critical component of negligence. Also, they play a huge role in damage valuation and creating a link between an accident and injury. The police report, often ready in two weeks after an accident, acts as the official record of the accident and is available free at the local police station or on their website.

Contact Your Insurer

Most insurers require their policyholders to inform them of all accidents they get into even when they do not think they are at fault, and failure to inform them can result in voiding your coverage. 

Also, you may not know how a case will turn out, so you need to notify them so they prepare for any eventuality. As a party of interest, your insurer may want to be a part of the investigations and evidence gathering to be on the safe side, so report even when you are not sure of your insurer's requirements.

Consult a Lawyer

Involving a motorcycle accident lawyer gives you the best chance of recovering fair compensation in your motorcycle accident claim. Industry data shows that personal injury victims who involve a lawyer have up to five times a better chance of recovering compensation than those who do not, and you want to have all the chances you can have. So, while they may take between 30 and 40 percent of what you recover as compensation, the difference they make in what you recover makes it all worth it.