15 May What are the Four Steps to Follow After a Motorcycle Accident in New York?
According to recent data, fatal motorbike accidents occurred 27% more often in 2017 than incidents involving cars with passenger occupants. This data is even more alarming when looking at statistics from the well-known National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), showing motorcyclists account for roughly 5% of all motorists.
With so many motorcyclists on the road, it emphasizes the need to know what to do after a motorcycle accident. If you know what to do, you will be better prepared to avoid potential accidents. In addition, you will have a better idea of how to move forward after being involved in one.
Unfortunate events frequently occur unexpectedly. It may be during your everyday commute or while running a quick errand. Based on data from the well-known NHTSA, over half of all car accidents occur within five miles of your home, with the remaining 69 percent occurring within a ten-mile radius.
With facts like these, staying aware and driving safely in all scenarios is critical for staying one step ahead of the trend and minimizing surprise accidents. However, not everything can be prevented; unfortunately, accidents do happen, so if you find yourself in such a scenario, these are the four steps you could follow after a motorcycle accident in New York.
Call 911 And Speak With The Police
If you or anyone you know is involved in a motorcycle collision, you should first thoroughly examine the scenario and your surroundings. Check to determine if you are at risk of danger and suffering from injuries. Next, get away from the road, move to a more secure location if possible, and keep an eye out for other individuals affected by the collision and assist them in getting to safety.
Before discarding any protective gear or trying to move around too much, it is critical to contact emergency services by phoning 911. Based on the extent of the collision, police and paramedics may be dispatched to the scene. This is especially true in the event of a motorcycle crash that results in injury.
After the accident, a police report will be filed, which will help you should you decide to file a claim. This is because a police report allows you to give your version of events and potentially guarantees whoever was at fault is held responsible for the consequences of their actions.
Additionally, it is critical to understand that accepting blame for an accident is not recommended. Whether you believe you’re responsible for the situation or could have avoided it, confessing fault might be used against you. This includes encounters with the other motorist, police enforcement, and insurance companies. So keep your words to yourself at the accident scene.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you do not believe it is required, seeking emergency medical attention and treatment is critical. This is essential for your health and can hasten the recovery process after a collision.
Additionally, after a motorcycle accident seeking medical assistance allows you to receive a precise diagnosis and a treatment plan which can prepare you for life after the accident. If this doesn’t convince you, another justification for seeking immediate medical care is to offer evidence of your injuries and losses.
Insurance providers may challenge your claim if you wait too long to seek medical treatment or do not attend a hospital. By obtaining medical attention immediately, you bolster your claim and leave little opportunity for the insurer or an at-fault party to dispute your claim.
Gather Evidence
Both car crash lawyers and motorcycle collision lawyers point out that preserving the scene of the accident is critical after being engaged in a motorbike accident. Gathering evidence at this stage is especially vital given the severity of motorbike accidents.
Most lawyers, including the ones at our firm, agree that it is essential to collect as many details as you can from the scene of the accident, including:
- Interviewing witnesses and documenting their testimony.
- Obtaining contact information and the registration numbers of any cars involved.
- If possible, statements should be taken from responding emergency workers and law enforcement personnel.
- Photograph and videotape the accident scene, including each vehicle involved and any visible injuries.
- Keep your motorcycle in the same condition after the collision, even if it is beyond repair. This is evidence if the other driver contests the faults or damages, and the motorcycle may have evidence proving who triggered the accident.
Unfortunately, not everybody involved in the accident will have sincere motives, and a few may flee the situation. As such, acquiring the personal details of those involved as soon as possible is integral to bettering your chances of gaining justice later.
Hire An Attorney
In a motorcycle collision, it is best to consult with an attorney as quickly as possible. Using the services of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer might have a significant impact on your insurance payout. Usually, insurance companies attempt to offer clients the bare minimum.
However, a motorcycle accident attorney, on the other hand, can better negotiate compensation with them. That’s why getting legal counsel and having your lawyer deal with the insurance provider on your behalf before accepting any settlement is always advisable.
Reach Out to an Expert Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Gruenberg Kelly Della Today
Following the four steps we shared after a motorcycle accident is crucial, but since there are more steps to keep in mind, it’s better to speak with an attorney.
If you have been in a motorcycle collision in New York and need assistance on how to proceed with legal action to gain compensation for your losses, contact our experienced attorneys at Gruenberg Kelly Della.
You can contact our experienced accident lawyers through our website, and we’ll do everything we can to help you.