What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident in New York
Motorcycle accidents are among the most devastating types of accidents. A motorcycle accident can leave you traumatized, confused, and overwhelmed. It can leave you dealing with serious injuries and substantial damages. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are common in New York. Every year, there are thousands of motorcycle accidents in New York. Knowing what to do after a New York motorcycle accident is crucial for protecting your health, legal rights, and future. Below is a look at what you should do after a motorcycle accident in New York.
- Ensure Safety and Check for Injuries
If you are on the road, move yourself and your bike to safety, but only if it is possible and safe to do so. Next, check yourself and others for injuries. Motorcycle crashes can result in severe injuries, such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and road rash. However, even if there are no visible injuries or you feel “fine,” you should not conclude that you are not injured (more on this in the following sections).
- Call 911
After you have ensured safety and checked for injuries, your next step should be calling 911 and reporting the accident. Reporting the accident will bring the police to the scene. The police will document the accident in an official report, which can be crucial evidence in your insurance or personal injury claim. Apart from bringing the police to the scene, calling 911 also brings emergency medical responders to the scene. Paramedics can assess your condition and everyone else involved in the accident and provide necessary medical help. They can transport you to the hospital for further treatment.
- Seek Prompt Medical Attention
If you are not medically evaluated at the accident scene, ensure you seek medical attention as soon as possible. See a doctor even if you don’t have any visible injuries, don’t feel any pain, or believe you are “okay.” Some injuries may not be apparent immediately, like head injuries and internal bleeding. A doctor can identify any hidden injury and ensure you receive timely treatment. Besides protecting your health, seeing a doctor without delay can help protect your legal rights by creating a clear medical record connecting your injuries to the accident. This is vital for preventing insurance companies from arguing that you suffered your injuries in a different incident.
- Document the Scene
If you can, take pictures of the accident scene, including photos of the damaged vehicles, any road markings, and traffic and weather conditions. If you cannot take pictures, you can ask someone to help. Photographs can help tell a story of what happened.
- Exchange Information
Exchange information with all the parties involved in the accident, including full names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details. Also, get the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed your accident. Witness testimony can be valuable in your legal claim, especially if liability is disputed.
Contact a Long Island Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Another vital step to take after a motorcycle accident is to contact an attorney. A skilled attorney can help with investigations, gathering evidence, calculating damages, handling negotiations, and filing a lawsuit if necessary.
Don’t wait! Contact an experienced Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer today at Jacobson Law to protect your rights.
