When you are in a motorcycle accident in New Jersey, whether it’s on Kings Highway or one of the local roadways in your community, the steps you take matter, in the ideal situation, motorcycle riders know exactly what to do after an accident happens so they can take action to protect their health and their ability to recover damages owed to them.
The following steps are an ideal situation. If you’re just learning to ride or want to be ready in case an accident occurs, use these as a guide. If you were already in a motorcycle accident in New Jersey, do not wait to hire a New Jersey motorcycle accident attorney who can help you overcome any gaps in this process.
Get Medical Care
After a motorcycle accident, check your surroundings, determine if you are safe or hurt, and then get out of the way of additional injuries if possible. Your priority is your safety. Call 911 and follow all directions provided by the dispatcher.
Get Information
If you are able to do so safely, begin collecting information about the incident as soon as possible. It is not uncommon for motorcycle accidents to involve hit-and-skip drivers or those who stop and then flee. The sooner you can obtain information, the better. Some key information to obtain, when possible to do so, includes:
- The name and contact information for the other driver, their insurance information, and a photo of their driver’s license, if possible
- The name and contact information of anyone who saw what occurred
- A clear description of where the incident occurred, the time of day, and the weather and road conditions in a photo or video
This information helps to flesh out your case later and enables your attorney or the police to investigate as needed.
Use Your Phone to Capture Details
Today’s riders always have a smartphone available to them, and that is one of the most important tools you can have. Use your phone to document as much as possible, including:
- Photos of your injuries and the motorcycle itself
- A video of the surrounding area that shows what happened and where
- A recorded statement from you and any other witness about what occurred
- Statements made by the other driver, such as “I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you.”
- Statements provided to the police about your accident
This information will help you build your case later. At this moment, all of these details are fresh in your mind. Record them now so that later, when you are trying to remember what occurred, you have a video or photo to look back on for clarity.
Get Medical Care
Even if you feel as if you are okay, with just a few bumps and bruises, getting medical care is critical. This should include going to the hospital or emergency room for a full checkup. In situations where you are specifically vulnerable, such as suffering a blow to the head, being thrown from the bike, or suffering rapid forward and backward movement, ensure you get to the ER even if you do not look like you have injuries. Internal injuries are very common in these accidents and may not develop for several hours or days after.
Alert the Insurance Company of the Accident
You will need to alert your insurance company of the accident and potentially the other driver’s insurance company. This is not to file a claim. You are simply documenting that the incident occurred. Provide basic, fact-only information about what took place and who was involved. Resist any conversations about pursuing a claim or getting your bike repaired.
Contact Your Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in New Jersey
Before you file a claim, before you get back home after a hospital trip, and prior to any additional surgery, contact a skilled, local motorcycle accident attorney who can guide you. Your attorney will work closely with you to fully understand the implications of what occurred and what your rights are.
You can request a free consultation to determine what your rights are. During this consultation, you may wish to consider factors such as whether you should just file a claim with the insurance company as well as any concerns related to fault. If the police or insurance company believes you are at fault, that could put your case and recovery at risk. Your attorney will work to gather and preserve data while also working to understand all risks you have to fully recover.
Do Not Wait to Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
After a New Jersey motorcycle accident, prioritize your health and well-being, as well as that of others. Then, let your attorney negotiate the highest possible settlement for you, pursuing full and fair compensation for the losses you incurred.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in New Jersey, contact Kwartler Manus now to speak to our attorney about your rights.