What Steps You Should Take After Having a Motorcycle Accident in New York
Getting into an accident can be an extremely nerve-wracking situation. Despite this, it is especially important to remain collected and follow several important steps toward recovery and filing a claim. Here are 8 important steps to take if you get into a motorcycle accident in New York.
1. Make Sure You’re Safe
The first important step is to make sure that your situation is safe. Assess yourself for any severe injuries. If there is nothing that requires urgent care, try to move away from the road. Staying on the road or near the collision can make you vulnerable to oncoming traffic or further injury. Therefore, at this moment, it must be your top priority to make sure you’re a safe distance away from the crash, even if it means leaving your bike behind.
Be sure to keep all safety gear—such as your helmet, boots, and gloves—on. Attempting to remove gear immediately after an accident may cause further injury. Try to limit movement and call emergency services.
2. Leave Your Bike Where it is
If you are injured, do not try to move your bike. This can worsen injuries. Even if you are not injured, it is possible that you may have wounds that you are not aware of. It may be best to leave your bike where it is. Further, while it is not guaranteed that your accident will go to court, it is best to leave your bike as it is to maintain the original crash scene, as it might be used for evidence later on.
Related: 10 Common Injuries After a Motorcycle Accident
3. Note Your Surroundings and Gather Evidence
While it may understandably be difficult to assess the situation that you are in immediately after a crash, it is important to try to note any important information about the accident and your surroundings. This will be important while filing your claim later on. Some important points to note are:
- The location of the accident
- Road conditions
- Speed limit
- Direction of vehicles
- Any obstructions to the view
- Skidmarks
- Damage was done, and by whom
If possible, it might be helpful to take a picture of the scene and important information, such as the accident from multiple angles and license plate numbers. This may be used as documentation later on. It is important to collect evidence and documentation even if you are in a single-vehicle accident.
4. Talk to Witnesses
It is extremely important to talk to any witnesses of the scene, as they may be asked to testify what they saw to the police or in court. If possible, record these accounts using a phone, paper, or recording device, and collect contact information just in case your lawyer requests it later on.
5. File a Police Report
New York requires that you file a police report as soon as possible after your accident. The police should be contacted as soon as possible once you are safe, or have received medical attention if necessary. The evidence gathered from the accident will greatly assist with this process.
6. Do Not Admit Fault
Oftentimes, the circumstances of an accident are unclear, and multiple factors play a role in its occurrence. Your words may be used against you when filing claims, so it is important to watch what you say and consider the legal ramifications of any statements and admissions. In general, it is best to avoid admitting any fault until you are proven to be liable.
Related: How to File a Car Accident Claim With Allstate
7. Contact a Lawyer
Insurance companies may try their best to limit the amount of settlement money they will offer. It is therefore important to get a capable New York lawyer to ensure that you get your property due compensation. Talking to a lawyer before contacting your insurance company may help you get a better understanding of what your legal options are.
8. Contact Your Insurance Company
Provide your insurance company with all of the information you collected. Again, it is important to watch what you say and avoid any admission of guilt. Insurance filings may be reviewed for evidence later on. If your insurance company intends on taking your vehicle away for inspection, make sure you get your own inspection and quotes first. Otherwise, this could lead to lost evidence.
While it may be difficult to know what to do immediately after a traumatic experience such as a motorcycle accident, this guide should help inform victims about the best first steps to take. If you find yourself in a motorcycle accident in New York and need a lawyer, get your free consultation with a Her Lawyer attorney today.
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If you or a loved one would like to learn more about What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident New York, get your free consultation with one of our Personal Injury Attorneys in New York today!