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What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Crash?

what to do in a motorcycle accident

The leading cause of motorcycle accidents is the failure of other drivers to see riders. Riders are often seriously injured due to the lack of protection a motorcycle provides, and it is important riders know what to do after a motorcycle accident. If you are injured on the road, follow these steps to give you the best chance at earning compensation for any injuries sustained with the representation of an expert legal team.

1. Call for Medical Help

It is critical that the first step after a motorcycle is to check yourself or others involved for any injuries and seek medical attention if necessary. There will be time to collect information and work out the details of the accident later if one of the parties is injured, so always prioritize the well-being of yourself and others in the accident.

2. Contact the Police

The police can provide an official report of the accident and collect the information that is helpful in determining who is at fault. You should cooperate with the police and provide them with your information and answer their questions, but be careful about admitting fault, as that can be determined in a judicial setting later on, and any statements you give could be used against you.

3. Collect Information About the Accident and Those Involved

If no one requires immediate medical attention and the police are on their way, collect the following information from the other party:

  • Name
  • Contact information
  • Insurance provider
  • License numbers
  • Car (license plate, make, and model)

To prevent admitting fault, the other party may be hesitant to provide too much information, as what they say could also be against them later on. Wait for the police to arrive so they can investigate the situation.

In the meantime, document anything else you can about the accident, including:

  • time of day 
  • speed you were traveling
  • any inclement weather conditions
  • nearest mile marker

If there were any witnesses, talk to them about the motorcycle accident and what they saw, recording their answers on your phone and collecting their contact information. Their statements could prove valuable in the investigation.

4. Contact Your Insurance Company

Insurance companies from both parties will get involved, so you should notify your insurance company of the accident and provide the information you collected from the scene. It is advisable to not admit fault to the insurance company, as each side will likely investigate the situation in an effort to determine fault and potential compensation.

5. Hire a New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If the accident is the other party’s fault, their insurance company will aim to pay you as little as possible, or in their best case scenario — nothing. In New Jersey, shared fault laws have the potential to reduce your compensation because the other party will attempt to demonstrate your role in the accident, thus reducing your compensation.

You should document all your expenses related to the accident, including your medical bills and missed time from work. This helps you earn all the compensation you are due for the accident.

At Dansky | Katz | Ringold, we are experts in representing victims of motorcycle accidents, and our team is skilled in all phases of the legal process, including collecting evidence, building a case, and fighting for our clients to receive the compensation they deserve. Contact us through our website today for a free consultation, or call our office at 856-489-1515.

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