Getting into a motorcycle crash is scary. One second you are riding down I-64, and the next second you are on the pavement. Your heart races, and it is hard to think clearly. But what you do in the first hour after a crash matters a lot. Here are the simple steps you need to follow to keep yourself safe and cover your costs.

First, check yourself for injuries. Take a deep breath before moving. If you feel bad neck or back pain, do not try to jump up. Stay still if you can and wait for help. If you can move safely, get off the main road to avoid getting hit by other cars.

Second, call 911 right away. Tell the dispatcher you were on a motorcycle and if anyone is hurt. When the police arrive, tell them exactly what happened. Do not guess or make things up. If you are not sure how fast you were going, just say you do not know. The official police report will be a key piece of evidence later on.

Third, gather evidence if you are able to walk around. Pull out your phone and take pictures of everything. Take photos of your bike, the other vehicle, and skid marks on the road. Take pictures of road signs, weather conditions, and your torn gear or bruises. Also, try to get the names and phone numbers of anyone who stopped to help. Witnesses can explain how the driver turned in front of you.

Fourth, do not apologize or say the crash was your fault. It is natural to say "I am sorry" when you are shaken up. But insurance companies love to use those words against riders. Just exchange names, phone numbers, and insurance info with the driver. Keep the conversation short and simple.

Fifth, go get checked out by a doctor or paramedic, even if you feel okay. Your body pumps a lot of adrenaline during a wreck. This natural chemical masks severe pain. You might have a concussion, internal bleeding, or hairline bone fractures without realizing it right away. A medical record created on the day of the wreck proves the crash caused your injuries.

Finally, keep all your damaged riding gear. Do not throw away your cracked helmet, scuffed jacket, or torn gloves. Do not fix your motorcycle yet either. Your gear and bike show how hard the impact was. After you take care of your medical needs, speak with an experienced St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyer. Having a trusted lawyer handle the insurance calls lets you focus on healing up.