A motorcycle accident can be a traumatic and disorienting experience. You may be facing significant injuries, even though you followed helmet safety guidelines and were riding cautiously.
However, the steps you take immediately after a motorcycle crash in New Jersey and in the days and weeks ahead can significantly impact your potential insurance claim or legal process.
Learn a few general tips for what to do after a motorcycle crash in New Jersey. For more personalized legal guidance, consult a motorcycle accident attorney.
Steps To Take Immediately After a Motorcycle Crash
The aftermath of a motorcycle accident often feels chaotic, but the actions you take during these few minutes play a significant role in your ability to build a solid case against a potential at-fault driver. The following steps may be helpful after your crash:
- Call 911: New Jersey law requires motorists to report all accidents resulting in injury, death, or property damage over $500. Calling 911 will prompt an officer and EMTs to come to the scene to administer aid. The officer will create a crash report that you can use as evidence in your accident claim or lawsuit.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel okay after a motorcycle crash in New Jersey, seeking prompt medical attention allows you to treat underlying injuries before they worsen. It can also provide you with evidence directly tying those injuries to the traffic collision, potentially bolstering your accident claim. Road rash, broken bones, and TBIs are all common rider injuries after motorcycle accidents that may require medical treatment.
- Document the accident scene: If possible, take photos and videos of the accident scene before leaving. If you are unable to do so, ask a bystander to take photos for you. Essential evidence can become lost after crews clean up accident scenes, so documenting the position of all vehicles and the damage at this time is crucial.
What To Do in the Days and Weeks After an Accident
Even if you did not think to follow all of the above steps after a motorcycle crash in New Jersey, taking action in the days and weeks after your accident may help preserve evidence if you choose to pursue a claim. The following steps might help further support an accident case.
- Contact your insurer: In New Jersey, personal injury protection (PIP) insurance does not automatically apply to motorcycles. However, you may have another form of coverage that applies to your case. Discuss your options with your insurance company.
- Submit an insurance claim, if applicable: If yours or another driver’s insurance coverage applies to the accident, submit a claim with all relevant details and documentation.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions: Following your doctor’s treatment recommendations is important to demonstrating the severity of your injuries. Failing to follow their instructions might indicate that your condition is partially your fault.
- Document your symptoms: Keep a log of your symptoms and pain levels throughout your recovery to create further evidence of your injuries. This may help support a claim for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, if applicable in your case.
- Consult a motorcycle accident attorney: Motorcycle accidents are often complex, with many parties and unclear liability. A motorcycle accident attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and help you pursue compensation, if appropriate.
Seek Legal Guidance From Experienced Accident Attorneys
If you are having trouble determining what to do after a motorcycle accident, an experienced lawyer can help you determine your next steps. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, helping them with cases involving serious damage, injuries, and motorcycle fatalities.
Contact Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers today at (855) 521-4406 to request a free case review and discuss your options after a New Jersey motorcycle crash.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: What should I do immediately after a motorcycle crash in New Jersey?
A: Immediately after a motorcycle crash in New Jersey, you should call 911, seek medical attention, and document the accident scene with photos and videos if possible.
Q: Do I need to contact my insurance company after a New Jersey motorcycle accident?
A: Yes, you should contact your insurer to discuss your coverage options, as personal injury protection (PIP) insurance doesn’t automatically apply to motorcycles in New Jersey.
Q: When should I consult a motorcycle accident attorney in New Jersey?
A: It’s advisable to consult a motorcycle accident attorney in New Jersey soon after your crash to understand your legal rights, options, and to help pursue compensation if appropriate.
