If you were struck by a driver while on your motorcycle – or maybe even by another biker – you’re dealing with a lot. Getting the medical care you need is your first priority. Physical and psychological healing can take some time.
Before you get back on your bike – or let anyone else get on it – you need to be sure it’s safe to ride. If it suffered extensive damage, you need to turn it over to professionals. It may even be totaled.
If it doesn’t seem to have much visible damage, it still needs to be checked out before anyone rides it again. Areas like the handlebars and chassis can have damage that’s not necessarily visible.
You may need to replace your helmet and other gear
Don’t assume you can use your helmet again. Experts say that a helmet that has struck anything needs to be replaced. They’re meant to protect your head, but one impact is typically all they can survive and still protect you.
Before you put any of your riding gear back on (including boots, gloves and even clothing), check it for holes, wear and other damage that can affect its ability to protect you. If any parts of your body were unprotected in the crash, invest in more riding gear to be more fully covered.
Get back into riding gradually
Just as many people have a hard time getting behind the wheel again after a car crash, getting on your bike again can be extremely difficult. You may even have some post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you’re healing physically, but continued anxiety about the crash is affecting your ability to get back to your life, it’s wise to seek the help of a therapist.
Psychological injuries are just as real as physical ones. As you seek compensation from the at-fault driver and their insurer, make sure you include the cost of all the care you need as well as other expenses and damages. With experienced legal guidance, you can help make sure you get the compensation you need and deserve.