What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident in New Jersey
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, the first thing to do is immediately check for injuries and seek medical attention. If possible, document the details of the collision, e.g., take pictures of your bike, your injuries, skid marks on the pavement, and the other vehicle. Next, note the events that led up to or contributed to the crash. For example, what lane were you in, what were the road conditions, the weather? It’s also important to retain copies of your medical expenses. Finally, contact a New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer to protect yourself and your rights.
Of all the motorists in New Jersey, motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable. According to the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, they are more than 28 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle crash than car occupants and five times more likely to be injured overall. Make sure you receive fair compensation to cover your damages by speaking to a personal injury lawyer at Harrell Law Firm today.
Check for Injuries and Call 911
After you’ve checked yourself for injuries, call 911 to report the accident. Police reports are a critical piece of evidence for your claim. In addition, do not ignore any physical discomfort after a motorcycle accident. Andrenlin floods the body and often masks pain, so accept medical treatment at the scene. This will be documented in the police report and can help you build your case. If you have concerns about injuries, ask to be transported to the hospital for a more in-depth examination.
Acquire Evidence From The Scene
If possible, acquire video and photo evidence. Use multiple angles that depict the accident scene, and include the following:
- Damages to all motorcycles and vehicles involved
- Injuries to yourself or other victims
- Debris in the road
- Road conditions
- Road hazards
- Weather conditions
- Signs
- Traffic signals
- Get contact information from witnesses
Move Your Bike from the Road
After documenting everything from the accident and the area is now blocked off by law enforcement, you should quickly move your bike from the road. Unlike an average-sized car, motorcycles are small and can be easily overlooked when lying on its side. Some vehicles may not see it on the road, which could cause another accident for which you could be liable.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company immediately after the accident, even if you don’t have an attorney yet. Some insurance companies require that accidents are reported within a specific time frame, or they may deny your claim. However, make sure not to admit fault.
If your insurance asks about damage or injuries, tell them you’re waiting to have your injuries checked out by a doctor who will give them the information after your assessment is available. Remember that Injuries can surface hours to weeks after an accident, and you may decrease the amount of your compensation if you give an inaccurate or incomplete report. Finally, it’s essential to have a motorcycle accident attorney in New Jersey represent you to recover the damages you are legally entitled to.
Contact Harrell Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation
Motorcycle accidents are traumatic, and it can be challenging to know what to do in the aftermath. Our personal injury lawyers at Harrell Law Firm can help alleviate that stress by providing support, insight, and skill to recoup what you’ve lost. Put your trust in our team of veteran injury attorneys for aggressive, client-focused advocacy that gets results. The initial consultation offers a no-obligation opportunity to ask questions and determine whether you have a valid claim for compensation. Don’t wait—call Harrell Law Firm for a free consultation today.
