Motorcycle riding is an experience without parallel; the roar of the engine beneath you, the wind in your hair, nothing but the open road before you – it’s truly exhilarating.
However, like other high-octane activities, there are also inherent risks. Motorcycles make up a disproportionate amount of traffic accidents and motorcycle riders are more likely to suffer serious injuries. Fortunately, many riders will never experience an accident. However, for the minority that will, knowing how to respond can prevent considerable hardship.
One of the most important questions a rider faces after an accident is: Should I go to the hospital? The answer, for the reasons described below, is almost unequivocally yes.
Health and legal consequences
First, going to the hospital is important to the rider’s health and well-being. Many injuries, even serious injuries, may go unnoticed for days or weeks before they become apparent. Only a doctor can properly detect and diagnose such latent injuries early on. The earlier the detection, the earlier the rider can begin receiving treatment.
Second, a doctor’s diagnosis and hospital records may be critical from a legal perspective. Many personal injury lawsuits are based on the pain and suffering of the defendant, in addition to financial hardship such as medical bills. Hospital records and physician testimony are often the surest way to help prove such claims and underline part of the desired compensation.
A serious motorcycle accident can be a traumatic experience with serious consequences for a person’s quality of life. In some situations, the rider may be able to obtain compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit with the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer.
