A motorcycle accident can happen in an instant, and even the most prepared riders can find themselves in a dangerous situation beyond their control. While being in an accident is often a shocking and terrifying experience, the aftermath can be intense in a different way. Keep reading to learn what to expect after a motorcycle accident and what actions you should take.
Step-by-Step Guide: After the Accident
Every motorcycle accident is unique, with various factors that must be considered when determining how to proceed. Still, there are some best practices you’ll want to heed to protect yourself and increase your chances of receiving any compensation you’re legally entitled to following the crash.
Immediately Following the Collision
Contact the Police and EMS
Do not leave the accident scene, even if you and the other party are uninjured. You’ll want to call the police to take a report, as this documentation could be essential to proving your level of fault in the accident when seeking compensation from the insurance company.
If you or the other driver could be injured, call emergency medical services as well, even if the injury appears minor. Your ability to prove you were injured and seek compensation could depend on having documentation from the collision, so any indication you might be injured needs to be taken seriously and recorded by a medical professional.
Exchange Information
You’ll need to exchange contact and insurance information with the other party. Taking a photo of the other driver’s insurance card and license can ensure you don’t accidentally miswrite their details in the post-accident confusion. If the individual driving the other vehicle doesn’t own it, you’ll also want to get the owner’s information.
Sometimes, other individuals will witness the crash. Testimonials from witnesses can help confirm your version of events to the insurance company. Once you’ve collected the other party’s information, you’ll want to do the same for anyone else who saw the wreck.
Gather Evidence
If you’re physically able, snap a few photos of the accident scene. Pictures of details such as skid marks, both vehicles, and road conditions could prove useful in the future. Sometimes, an accident may occur due to improperly marked road construction or an obstructed speed limit or stop sign. Having proof of any factors contributing to the crash can help determine liability.
In the Weeks Following the Collision
Contact Your Insurance Provider and a Lawyer
You will have to report the collision to your insurance company, and they’ll begin investigating the accident. Once you’ve done this, contacting a lawyer is wise. Having a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer on your side will ensure you don’t inadvertently say something to the insurance company that hurts your claim. In the event that your claim escalates to court, you will already have a lawyer on your side who is familiar with the details of your situation.
Pursue Compensation
The state of New York allows you to seek compensation even if you are partially at fault for the accident. This is known as a comparative negligence system.
Since the repayment you receive is directly impacted by how much liability you hold in the collision, working with a skilled lawyer can help you maximize your compensation. Your lawyer will work to prove you were minimally liable for the accident and prevent the other party’s insurance company from placing unfair blame on you.
Continue Medical Care
If you were injured in the collision, follow up with your doctor and receive treatment as prescribed. Should you choose to ignore medical advice, it will weaken your claim and give the insurance company a reason to say you are exaggerating the extent of your injuries. Pursuing medical care and heeding the doctor’s instructions will help prove the validity of your injuries.
Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Queens, NY
Unfortunately, insurance companies won’t wait for you to recover before contacting you about your claim. Entrust your motorcycle accident claim to an experienced personal injury lawyer who will handle the adjusters as you recover and set your claim up to be as successful as possible.
Surdez & Perez serves Queens and the surrounding areas, and our skilled lawyers are ready to work on your behalf. Let us protect your interests and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact Surdez & Perez about your motorcycle accident claim today.
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