For many riding a motorcycle is a spectacular and thrilling experience. For other's it is just a great way to travel. For other's it may be the best way to save money on commuting. Part of the thrill in riding a motorcycle is the fact that there are risks. Experiencing a motorcycle accident compared to a car accident is completely different. A low impact car accident is not likely to result in injuries, but a motorcycle accident can result in serious injuries even in low speed accidents. With a car the body is protected by the car and the seatbelt. In a motorcycle accident the only protection is the helmet. When you get thrown off a motorcycle your actual body gets hurled across the road and sometimes into the path of other road vehicles. It is not surprising that a motorcyclist is 45 times more likely to be killed in a road accident than a car driver.

The are several reasons why motorcycle accidents occur including poor visibility, slippery roads, bad weather, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. Sometimes it is poor road maintenance and most often it is carelessness of the part of other drivers or the motorcycle driver. Careless operators that do not fail to see the motorcycle is probably one of the primary reasons.

The injuries in motorcycle accidents often involve a head injury and those killed as a result of a motorcycle accident more likely than not died as result of a severe head injury.

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident you should always ensure the police attend the scene to make a detailed report of the accident and if you feel no pain or injury at the time of the accident, be sure you state that you are not sure if you are injured as it often takes several hours to realize you have suffered an injury. In many jurisdictions no police report will be prepared unless there is an injury. This report will be needed to make a claim for compensation and if you report that there was no injury, it may be that no officer will go take a report. You should also detailed how the accident occurred and what parts of your body hit the ground or the vehicle while your memory is fresh.

Once you are well enough to talk or write about the accident you should do so, but with an attorney. Do not communicate with an insurance company until you have spoken with a personal injury attorney. Insurance adjusters are in the business of protecting the insurance company and keep as much money as possible.

The type of information you need before speaking with an attorney is as follows:

A police report

A list of witnesses

A list of all property damaged including the motorbike and any clothing

Medical records including bills

Days missed from work as a result of your inability to work and the amount of wages lost

Detailed list of your injuries

Many persons refrain from making a claim because they believe it is a long and difficult process, but hit is a misconception. Filing a claim is very easy and often costs nothing. All it takes is one phone call and a little paper work. Your personal injury attorney takes care of everything for you.

A claim for compensation is intended to put you back to where you should have been, contrary to popular belief it is not the lottery. You should therefore feel comfortable making such a claim as you will not be better off as a result of it, you will just be back to where you should have been.