Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident in New Jersey
What to Do If You Get Into a Motorcycle Accident
While riding a motorcycle can be a lot of fun, these vehicles are also very dangerous. More than 5,200 riders died on U.S. roads due to motorcycle crashes in 2016. If you’re a motorcyclist who’s lucky enough to survive such a collision, there are some important steps to follow in the immediate aftermath.
Collect Information
The most important thing that you can do is collect information from the motorist who hit you. This will provide your insurance company with vital information to make your case valid. Pictures, audio testimonies of individuals nearby, and any other information will paint a picture of the scene and most certainly help your case.
Call the Police
A police officer should be called immediately after a motorcycle crash. He or she will be able to alleviate the situation if the parties involved become agitated. The officer can also make a report of the scene and help you to contact your New Jersey motorcycle accident attorney.
Take Notes of the Surrounding Area
There may be other forces at play that caused you to crash. It is not uncommon for a motorcyclist to hit a pothole and get propelled from their bike into another vehicle. Take pictures and notes of your surrounding area. The environment could be very important for your New Jersey motorcycle accident attorney when it comes time to prepare your case.
Seek Medical Attention
It’s important to seek medical attention after an accident. You may only think that you got a few minor scraps, but these tiny abrasions can also include fragments from the road or the crash itself. Addressing medical issues after a crash is vital. You want to get any injuries taken care of right away because this can help prevent more serious problems from occurring down the road. It can also help your attorney with your case and your insurance company’s claim.
Let Your Insurance Company Know What’s Going On
All of the information you gather is crucial for your insurance company. By keeping the agency informed of the circumstances, you can help them determine the costs of repairs and other damages that need to be financially taken care of. Your premium will hopefully cover these costs and help you focus on your next step of filing a motorcycle accident claim.
Why Are NJ Motorcycle Accidents So Common?
Most motorcycle accidents happen due to negligence from other drivers. They are often distracted when they are driving and fail to look across the road as they switch lanes. Since motorcycles are far less visible than cars or trucks, they are more likely to get caught in a blind spot. Drivers are more used to seeing automobiles. While that’s not a good excuse, the fact is that car drivers often forget to consider motorcyclists.
Furthermore, motorcycles are more crashworthy than larger vehicles. Aside from a helmet, a rider has little protection from an oncoming vehicle. If you get hit by a car, you will no doubt sustain injuries. Thankfully, there are ways to hold at-fault parties accountable and get compensation to cover your medical bills.
Contact New Jersey Motorcycle Accident + Injury Lawyer Jerry Friedman Today
You may find yourself in a hostile situation where the other driver refuses to cooperate with you after the crash. This is why it is important to contact the right motorcycle injury attorney. Legal counsel with experience in these types of crashes will know how to deal with uncooperative parties. If necessary, a lawyer could take your case to court so you can get the compensation you deserve.
Fortunately, there is a law office that has your best interests in mind. Law 4 Hogs is run by motorcycle accident lawyer NJ Jerry Friedman and has been servicing the New Jersey area since 1977. Mr. Friedman has the experience that you need to help you with your court case. If you have been injured on the road by another driver while driving your motorcycle, call our office today at 1-800-529-4464.
