The Aftermath of a Motorcycle Accident
According to the New York State Department of Health, approximately 166 people die each year in motorcycle crashes on New York public roads. Approximately 11 people are treated for motorcycle accident injuries in New York State every day. Motorcycle accidents occur for many reasons, ranging from motor vehicle negligence to careless motorcyclists. Once a motorcycle crash occurs, the steps the motorcyclist takes in the aftermath may play a role in determining the results.
Once everyone is safe following a motorcycle accident, it is important to collect the information of all parties involved in the crash. This information should include:
- Names
- Contact Information (i.e. phone numbers, emails, and addresses)
- License Plate Numbers
- License Numbers
- Insurance Information
- Vehicle Information (i.e. year, make, model)
Additionally, if you can take pictures of the accident scene immediately after the motorcycle crash, it can help your personal injury attorney establish how the crash occurred. If possible, take pictures before anyone has a chance to move their vehicles or alter the scene of the accident. It may help to take pictures from various angles and include as many details as possible. Some things you may want to capture in the motorcycle crash pictures include:
- Where the accident occurred
- Road conditions / weather
- Time of day / lighting
- Relevant signs (i.e. speed limit)
- Direction of travel
If you are unable to take pictures, try to get someone else to take pictures for you and email them to you. Documenting the scene of the crash is important because the more evidence you have, the stronger your insurance claim will be.
SPEAK WITH WITNESSES
Some motorcycle accidents may have eyewitnesses present. After the accident and once you are in a safe location, gather written information about the crash from witnesses as it may help support your case. It may also be wise to audio record your conversation with witnesses, if they are willing. Make sure to gather contact information, including name, phone number, and email address from any witnesses you speak with so that your motorcycle crash attorney can follow up with them later.
FILE A POLICE REPORT
After any motor vehicle accident It is very important that a police report is written and obtained. Before the police arrive, do not apologize or admit fault to anyone at the scene of the crash, as it may hurt your insurance claim. If you must be transported from the scene for your injuries, try to make sure that a police report is created and find out where you go to get a copy of the report. The police report will include all parties’ information, possibly a diagram of the accident, and any additional information the police can gather.
GET MEDICAL ATTENTION
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, adrenaline may be rushing through your body. You may be feeling conflicting emotions as you try to determine the extent of your injuries. Even if you feel fine after your accident, you may have suffered internal injuries that may not start showing symptoms for days or weeks. Additionally, the insurance company may not believe you have been injured if you refuse medical treatment or delay being seen.
Depending on the severity of injuries, it may be important for the motorcyclist to get emergency medical attention right away. After the motorcyclist is released from emergency medical care, he or she should schedule an appointment to follow up with a primary care physician as soon as possible. Injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents can sometimes take a few days, or even weeks, to appear.
OBTAIN THE POLICE REPORT
In the event a motorcyclist is severely injured and rushed from the accident scene to receive medical treatment, they may not have had the opportunity to complete any of the steps listed above. As soon as possible, the motorcyclist should follow up with the police department that documented the crash and request a copy of the police report. The motorcyclist should also get pictures of the accident scene as quickly as possible and try to get the names and contact information for any witnesses. The police report, along with your medical records will be critical when making a bodily injury claim.
Your insurance company should be notified of any accidents immediately, and additional information will need to be provided to them as it comes along. Remember not to admit fault to the insurance company and be sure to submit any pictures or witness testimonials that you gathered in the accident aftermath. At this point, the exact cause of a motorcycle crash may not be clear, and it is important for you to state only facts to the insurance company to avoid any repercussions later.
PREVENTING MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
Since blame for some motorcycle accidents can be placed on irresponsible motorcyclists, it makes sense that responsibility for preventing motorcycle accidents and associated injuries is something borne by all motorists. Motorcycle riders need to follow New York State helmet laws and wear other recommended protective gear, including goggles, face shields, gloves and proper footwear.
Motor vehicle owners should take extra care to stop and look for motorcyclists before entering a roadway, changing lanes, and/or making turns. Motorcyclists can be tough to see at times and it may be hard to judge their speed. By working together, motor vehicle owners and motorcyclists can help prevent accidents that injure and kill people every day.
Insurance companies may contact you to make a settlement offer, even if you have injuries that could require a significant recovery time. You may want to consider contacting a car accident injury attorney, so that your lawyer can talk to the insurance companies on your behalf. It is important that you get the maximum available compensation for your claim.
HURT IN A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT? CALL WILLIAM MATTAR
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