Whether it’s a hobby, a thirst for adventure, or the freedom of the open road, the love motorcyclists have for riding is unique. It’s a near unbreakable bond, but thousands of riders find themselves afraid to get back on their bike after an accident. This is especially true when the accident causes a disability.
From the severity of their injuries to handling the legal process with a motorcycle accident lawyer, accidents like these are a traumatic experience. While many place their passion on the shelf, the desire to ride can still be as strong as ever. Here’s how to get back on the bike after a disabling accident.
Regaining Confidence
Losing confidence in your skills as a rider or motorcycles themselves is perfectly natural. You might have tens of thousands of miles under your belt, but one accident is all it takes to make you second-guess your abilities.
The only way to build your confidence back up is by giving yourself time. You need to heal both physically and mentally after an accident. When you feel ready, take things one small step at a time as you begin riding again.
Seeking Aid
Disabling accidents are some of the most traumatic. It isn’t uncommon for riders to experience symptoms of PTSD and memory loss. These symptoms can include:
- Recurring nightmares
- Flashbacks of the accident
- A lack of interest in things you once enjoyed, especially riding
- Heightened anxiety and stress
- Intense feelings of guilt, anger, and, sadness
- Depression
If you are experiencing any of those symptoms, speak with your personal injury trial attorneys or personal physician about seeking help. Either can direct you to a professional that will help you work through your PTSD. Without that aid, the triggers of your PTSD symptoms will make it impossible to ride again.
Finding A New Bike
One of the more exciting aspects of getting on the road again is picking out a new motorcycle. However, this can be a little challenging depending on what disabilities you have. You may need to purchase additional parts to fully operate a bike again.
Luckily, the past decade has seen exceptional advancements for disabled riders. Electronic shifters, K-2 levers, and auto clutch systems can circumvent a wide variety of disabilities. There are even prosthetic hand attachments designed for handlebars. So, don’t feel as though your disability will keep you from riding.
Learning From Experience
One of the best ways to get back on your bike after a disabling accident is to change your perspective. Instead of reliving the incident in fear, run through what happened in your mind and view it as a learning experience. Even when it was another driver’s fault, there’s often an evasive maneuver that could have at least lessened the extent of your injuries.
Consider taking a class on defensive driving to increase your capabilities and pick up a few new proactive riding techniques. If it was the weather or road conditions that led to your accident, think about ways in which you could have tackled the road instead. You’ll end up a better, more confident rider this way.
