Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be traumatic and even life-altering. Accidents like these happen with little warning, leaving the victim disoriented and injured. If you or a loved one gets injured in such an accident, what you do in the moments and days following a crash can significantly impact your health, safety, and financial recovery. Below, we discuss some of the things you should do after a motorcycle accident in New York, how to protect yourself legally, and what to avoid to better ensure a positive outcome for your situation.

Prioritize Safety

Your main concern should be your safety and that of others involved in the accident. If you can, get off the road to avoid being struck by oncoming traffic. Turn on your hazard lights if your bike has them, and use any available signals to alert other drivers. By focusing on safety first, you can reduce the likelihood of further accidents or injuries at the scene.

Assess Yourself and Others for Injuries

Once you move to safety, assess your physical condition. Motorcycle accidents can lead to injuries like bruises, cuts, broken bones, and head injuries. If you’ve hit your head, you might have a concussion, even if you were wearing a helmet. Take note of that. Next, check on other people involved in the accident. It’s not a good idea to move anyone who appears seriously injured unless there’s immediate danger, like a fire or incoming traffic. This is the right time to contact first responders like paramedics. Inform them of the nature of your injuries so they can walk you through performing first aid before they arrive.

Contact the Police

Report the accident to the authorities. They’ll record the accident and give you a report. This report highlights how the accident happened, who caused it, and the names of the witnesses. In the report, avoid admitting fault or making speculative statements. If you aren’t sure of something, it’s better not to answer. Stick to the facts. Police reports are used by insurance companies to determine liability, so avoid emotional statements or assumptions. Obtain a copy of the police report for your records. This document will be crucial when negotiating with the insurance company.

Gather the Necessary Information

One of the most important things you’ll need to do is collect as much information as possible from the accident scene. Even if it’s a simple accident, document everything to protect yourself. Some of the information you should collect includes the following:

• The name, address, phone number, insurance company, and license number of the other party involved.
• The make, model, and license plate number of the other party involved.
• Names and badge numbers of the responding police officers.
• Witness contact information.

Aside from that, you also need to document the accident scene. Take photos of your motorcycle and any visible damage. You should also photograph other vehicles involved, the road condition, skid marks, traffic signs, your injuries, and the injuries of others. These photos will come in handy when making your insurance claim.

Seek Medical Attention

Most of the time, people underestimate their injuries because they don’t look serious. Even if you feel fine, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is essential. Some injuries, like internal bleeding, whiplash, or a concussion, may not present symptoms until hours or days later.

Visit the ER for a complete check-up and inform the doctor of any pain or discomfort you’re experiencing. The doctor will document your injuries, which will be important when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action later. After treatment, follow the doctor’s instructions, such as taking the medication required and following up with appointments for a smooth recovery.

Hire An Attorney, Then Notify Your Insurance Company

Speaking to your attorney before speaking to an insurance adjuster is always a good idea. The attorney will advise you on the best way to give a statement. With your attorney’s guidance, contact your insurance company and report the accident. Most companies will require you to report the accident within a specific time frame. When speaking to the insurance adjuster, provide the facts of the accident as clearly and succinctly as possible. Avoid speculating about fault or giving a recorded statement unless you’re sure of what you’re saying. 

Avoid Signing Anything Without Consulting an Attorney

Don’t sign any document the insurance company or claims adjuster gives you without speaking to your attorney. In addition, don’t sign or cash a check from an insurance company without legal advice. These documents often contain fine print that could legally release the insurance company from further liability. Some insurance adjusters use tricky language to pressure accident victims into settling for far less than their claims are worth. As such, it’s important to let the lawyer review any documents before signing them.

Don’t Discuss the Accident Publicly

In today’s age of social media, it’s tempting to post about significant life events like an accident. However, sharing details about your accident on social platforms can work against you. Insurance companies and legal teams may use your posts to undermine your claim or assign blame. In addition, don’t discuss the details of the accident in public settings until your case has been resolved. Stick to speaking with your lawyer, the police, and your insurance company.

Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Consult a motorcycle attorney to learn about your legal rights. Motorcycle accidents often lead to personal injury claims. The process can be complex because the other people involved will be quick to blame you. This makes recovering financial compensation quite challenging. An attorney advocates for you, reducing the stress this process causes. They will help you collect evidence, estimate your damages, and negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf.

Don’t Let a Motorcycle Accident Interrupt Your Life

A motorcycle accident can make your life difficult. That’s why it’s essential to take the proper steps if you or a loved one has been in an accident. At Almanzar-Paramio Law LLC, we can help you follow the right procedures when filing a claim. Our attorneys are experienced in personal injury cases, ready to fight for you and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Don’t go through this experience alone. Talk to us today.