*Collaborative Post
A motorbike crash can be a traumatic experience for riders, and with less protection than car drivers, bikers are at a higher risk of sustaining severe injuries if they’re involved in a crash. Whether it was your fault or not, your confidence can take a significant knock following an accident, and it can be challenging to get back in the saddle in order to regain that lost confidence. Following an accident, there are many steps you need to take in the moment, but our guide will also help you find your love of riding again so that you can get back on the road as soon as possible.
Steps To Take When An Accident Occurs
When an accident happens, it can be difficult to remember what you need to do, and your first priority should be to ensure everyone involved is okay. Once you’ve done that, you may need to call the emergency services such as the police or an ambulance, depending on the severity of the accident. Many people want to get the vehicles out of the road as soon as possible, but this could hurt an investigation or insurance claims later. Don’t attempt to move your bike following a collision as it may be unsafe to be in the road, and if the police have been called, this will also help with their investigation. If the police have been called, be sure to give a full statement without speculating on who is at fault and remember to ask for a copy of the report for your insurance and motorcycle accident lawyer.
Whether the police have been called or not, it’s vital that you swap insurance details with the other people involved and take plenty of photos of the scene if it is safe to do so; this will help any insurance claim you make. As well as images, it’s crucial that you make a note of the time, location, and driving conditions while the information is still fresh, as this will also benefit an insurance claim and any further legal steps you may need to take.
Getting Back In The Saddle
Following an accident, fear often develops the longer you wait to get back in the saddle, and it is best to get back on the road as soon as you possibly can in order to avoid that fear setting in. Many bikers find that analysing every step of what happened during the accident helps them move forward and away from the incident. Every rider is different, and finding your process for getting back into the right mindset may take time or professional help in order to find your passion for motorbiking once more. If you ride with a group, they are an excellent source of moral support following a crash; however, it is essential not to give in to any peer pressure forcing you back in the saddle too soon. When experiencing trauma in the wake of an accident, it is vital that you take things at your own pace and seek help to get you back on the road again.
Get On The Road When It’s Quiet
The time will come when it’s time for you to get back on the road, and this can be a daunting prospect for many people when they’ve had an accident. Some people often find that they avoid going out on days where the conditions are the same as when they had their crash, especially if the weather was dismal. It may take a while before you’re confident riding on a main road or motorway and an excellent way to ease yourself back into it is by taking your bike out during the quieter times. Fewer vehicles on the road provide you with the exposure you need but without the stress of being surrounded by cars or large trucks.
How To Boost Your Confidence
You may find every rider you know giving you advice on how to get back in the saddle, and it can be overwhelming with so many voices directing you in ways that may not work for you. The first step to building your confidence is not getting back in the saddle until you have healed physically and mentally. Getting back on the road too soon could make it worse for you, and it’s best to take things one step at a time. Another way to get a boost is through extra training; top-up training or an advanced course is a great way to give you back your confidence, no matter how many years you’ve been riding.
Following your accident, spend time replacing your gear and upgrading it if it didn’t protect you as much as you would like. The right equipment will help you feel safer when sat back in the saddle as you won’t feel as exposed. Once you’re ready to get back on the road, take things slowly; pick an easy route for your first ride and ask a friend to join you for moral support. Many bikers feel safer in numbers following an accident, and if you were not already part of a group, it might be an idea for you to join one until you’re confident riding alone again. Take the time to build up your rhythm, and don’t rush into getting back on the road again until you feel ready.
