The key things to check after a motorcycle crash

The hours and days following a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming. However, the key things to check after a motorcycle crash include your safety equipment and a thorough review of your bike. A thorough inspection for damage can prevent future injuries from a malfunction, and provide valuable information to your Weir & Kestner Murfreesboro motorcycle accident lawyer.

Checking your safety equipment is critical

Tennessee helmet laws require riders to wear a DOT-approved helmet while riding. The general best practice regarding safety equipment is to throw away your helmet after an accident if there is any chance it made impact or took a hit. However, at a minimum, you should inspect the helmet for scratches, gouges, cracks, or signs of damage. 

If you have riding gear like a heavy-duty jacket or pants, you should check those for scrapes or holes. A scuffed-up riding jacket is probably fine from a safety standpoint, but it can provide evidence in your case and clarify what happened. 

Check for structural damage

Take a good look at your bike for structural damage to the body. This should include a thorough review of the suspension, tires, chains, and wheels. Attempting to ride a bike with one of these damaged components can pose a major safety concern that could cause another wreck. 

Significant damage may be pretty noticeable, but be thorough before you choose to ride. Never ride your bike home from an accident before you have a chance to thoroughly inspect it. 

Check for any fluid leaks

Make sure the bike is not leaking fluids. Brake fluid leaks often show up as slick, clear, or slightly yellow spots near the wheels or under the handlebars. The primary culprits of a leak include fuel, oil, and transmission fluid leaks. However, damage to the battery, causing it to leak acid, is not uncommon. 

Missing any of these can leave you vulnerable to another accident or significant damage to your engine or transmission. Failure to notice battery acid can cause chemical burns on the skin or damage other components of the bike. 

If you notice any of these fluids, make arrangements to have the bike transported to a repair shop; do not try to ride it. 

Check your brakes and tires

Even if you didn’t notice any leaking brake fluid, you should make sure to examine the braking system. Even if it is only slightly damaged or the brakes are slightly worn, you may encounter life-threatening problems if you fail to identify the problem. 

Address superficial damage

Once you’ve identified the functional concerns with your bike, you should make sure to check for problems that may look cosmetic in nature. Even a loose panel or peg can slip and get caught in the inner workings of the bike, or make you lose your stability and balance while riding. 

It’s rarely a bad idea to take your bike to a mechanic for a thorough evaluation and a quote for repairs. This helps you identify any potential issues and provides documentation that may help your insurance claim. 

Check on your own wellbeing 

Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries that don’t always appear right away. Adrenaline can mask pain, and internal injuries may take hours or days to show symptoms. It is important to get checked by a medical professional even if you initially feel okay.

Your emotional well-being matters too. Stress or anxiety after a crash can affect concentration and reaction time on future rides. Connecting with your primary care provider about how you are feeling can help you stay safe and make informed decisions about when to get back on your bike.

Regular maintenance is critical to reducing your risk of an accident

While it is essential to check your bike for problems after an accident, preventative maintenance can go a long way in minimizing the risk of riding in the first place. This includes making sure that everything is in appropriate working order, including brakes and tires. Worn-out brakes or tires can be the difference between having an accident and narrowly avoiding one. 

Completing regular maintenance can also help demonstrate that you take proper care of your motorcycle, which can support your case if there are questions about fault.

Call Weir & Kestner to help you with your motorcycle accident claim today

If you have been injured because of someone else’s negligence, you deserve someone to help you recover the compensation you need. Motorcycle accident cases often come with high price tags, which often make it more challenging to negotiate a fair settlement amount on your own. The team at Weir & Kestner is familiar with how motorcycle cases go, and we’re ready to help. Call us today at (615) 220-4180 or submit a request form online to schedule a free case consultation.