by Maggie West

Created on: January 05, 2009   Last Updated: January 17, 2009

Feelings of fear, helplessness, and horror overcome us in the face of danger. How trauma affects our memories - such as flashbacks, emotional detachments, and disassociations - is important information to have at one's disposal when a motorcycle accident has occurred.

The momentous segments of our lives, which can - and do - burst into view when we're in harm's way, are where the necessity for enhanced accident reporting begins. This, and our awareness of the many other details we must tend to during these unfortunate incidents, will improve their outcomes.

Ever notice how we sugarcoat certain memories, through the years, by chalking them up to lessons learned; erasing the unpleasantness; or telling ourselves, "I'll know better next time." An impending accident, however, blows through a lifetime of residual fog and our past deeds become much clearer.

Is it any wonder, then, that as a vehicle careens towards us at forty miles an hour or we're about to crash while making a left turn, a beacon of truth strikes? And our mental facades come crumbling down.

Well ...

Witnesses' recollections of collisions are similarly affected. Most are more than willing to relate the necessary information immediately following an incident. Call it trauma, the "urgency" of the moment, and the "what if it were me?" syndrome at work. But hours or days later, memories can change: The unpleasantness is replaced with agreeable alternatives; conversations with family and friends taint the actual events; and people would rather "forgive and forget." It's purely human nature.

Therefore, it's imperative that we gather the applicable information to any collision at the scene - not later: Interviews from witnesses; pictures of the vehicles involved; even photos of the road and any damage to street signs, telephone poles, embankments, etc. Otherwise, the facts are altered.

A thorough investigation is significant at any crash site, but especially with regard to motorcycles.

Even at low speeds, a collision can total a motorcycle, mangle the front or back end beyond recognition, or cause considerable damage elsewhere. Without a complete assessment, the exact circumstances that led to the damage may be unclear. One motorcycle wreck, oddly enough, can resemble another that has occurred at higher speeds or in multiple vehicle wrecks.

A detailed analysis of a motorcycle accident eliminates the need for assumptions or the law of averages - plainly said: There's no "guessing game."

By accurately noting all the

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