Winter is a perilous time to be on the road, especially if you’re on a motorcycle. Motorcycle riders are vulnerable to the elements since they have less protection than larger vehicles. Because there are no airbags or safety belts to protect you, an accident can be a devastating event that can injure your neck, head, and spine.

The aftermath of a serious motorcycle accident is also a challenging time, fraught with shock and uncertainty. If you or your loved ones have sustained serious injuries, you are entitled to appropriate compensation for your pain and suffering. That’s why, the first few moments following an accident are crucial, and will determine whether you receive the compensation you deserve. Here’s what you can do to protect your rights if you’ve sustained injuries in a winter motorcycle accident.

Stay at the Accident Scene, But Don’t Admit Fault

If you’ve sustained major injuries, the first thing you should do is seek emergency medical attention. Receiving a formal medical assessment and documentation of your injuries can aid in proving the legitimacy of your claim.

If your injuries aren’t critical but there’s still enough vehicle damage, it’s best to stay at the accident scene for as long as possible. Following the accident, you must call the police immediately, or have a witness or loved one do so. Reporting the incident to the authorities will kickstart the initial documentation for your claim.

However, reporting the accident does not obligate you to accept guilt or apologize. In the absence of legal assistance, you can always politely decline to communicate with the other driver in the collision or their insurance company. The bottom line is that you should avoid making any statements about the accident because you could unwittingly incriminate yourself and forfeit your entitlement to compensation.

Document as Much as Possible

Documentation is key in the aftermath of an accident. After you recover from the initial shock, begin documenting the accident scene. Make sure you capture the extent of your vehicle’s damage as well as your injuries. Make a note of everything important you see, and find out whether there were any witnesses to the accident. If you are unable to do so personally, have a trusted friend or witness do it on your behalf. These undisturbed snippets of the accident can help establish the evidence required to claim compensation.

Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer

Many people undervalue the importance of having dependable legal representation when fighting for your rights after an accident. Seeking compensation may be more difficult than it appears, especially if you are unfamiliar with the complex state laws governing motorcycle accidents. You may also face intervention and blockages from the insurance company, which may try to shift the blame on you to limit the compensation to which you are entitled. Seek the assistance of a reputable motorcycle accident attorney to help you safeguard your rights and achieve fair recompense for your financial losses and the emotional anguish you experienced because of the accident.

Even if a motorcycle accident is not fatal, the consequences can be devastating. Consider having an experienced lawyer on your side during this period.