Motorcycle accidents are terrifying experiences. In a matter of seconds, a rider is thrown across the roadway, suffering direct impact injuries and fall-related injuries. Even in lower force accidents, the risk of serious injuries is still high, thanks to the direct impact of a car on a rider’s body.
If you are planning to ride a motorcycle, you should know what the risks are as well as what steps you need to take to survive a motorcycle accident in New Jersey. What you do right after such an accident plays a direct role in your well-being, physically and emotionally. In the ideal situation, work through these steps. The most important thing you can do once the dust settles is to speak with a New Jersey motorcycle accident attorney from Kwartler Manus.
Immediately Getting Out of the Way
The reality is, you may not have the ability to move out of the way. However, if you are in an accident where you have injuries that are not life-threatening but still severe, moving matters. It minimizes the risk of another vehicle striking you when they fail to slow down or stop. Do not leave the scene of the accident.
Call 911 and Follow the Directions Provided to You
The dispatchers will get someone to you quickly, but while you are on the phone with them, provide as much information as possible. What can be most important is following any instructions about not moving or stopping the bleeding. If no one is there to help you, you may have to attempt to do this on your own.
Do Not Remove Evidence, Including Your Helmet
Do not take your helmet off after a motorcycle accident. Wait for medical responders to arrive and safely remove it. This prevents further injuries to your spinal cord, neck, and potentially your brain.
You also do not want to remove any evidence at the scene, such as debris from the vehicles. The location of these items helps in the reconstruction of accidents. It can also provide insight into the severity of your potential injuries to rescuers.
Gather Evidence If You Can Do So Safely
The more evidence you obtain at the scene of the accident, the better protected you are in the future. When you are able to do so, do the following:
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Take a slow-moving video of the surrounding area. Capture the location of the accident, the position of the bike, the weather conditions, and any debris in the roadway.
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Take photos of the damage to your motorcycle, the other vehicle, and any debris in the roadway.
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Take photos of your injuries and those of anyone riding the motorcycle with you.
This information helps in the reconstruction of the accident, and may become critical later in proving who is at fault when there are disputes over it.
Communicate with Police Clearly and Accurately
The police and rescuers are there to gather evidence and help you. What you say is always going to be critical to your case. Remember to be 100% honest about what happened, but do not admit to fault in any way. Do not apologize for what occurred or make statements such as, “I did not see them.”
Provide just the facts without speculating as to what the other driver was doing or what could have happened. If you saw the driver weaving, using their phone, or speeding, say that. Do not assume they were doing something, though. You do not want there to be any risk of deception on your part.
Gather Witness Information
Even if you are suffering from an injury and the evidence is clear, getting the name and contact information for witnesses is important. It allows your attorney to later follow up if there is a need for clarification. Sometimes a witness is another person in a car, or they could be the passenger in the vehicle that struck you. Avoid alienating them, but always politely ask for their contact information.
Get Medical Care Immediately
This is yet another critical step in protecting your future. Medical care right after a motorcycle accident preserves your health. It is very common for victims to suffer injuries they do not realize, such as internal bleeding, concussions, and whiplash. These injuries can cause life-changing outcomes for victims, even if they seem fine right after.
Going to the hospital also allows for documentation of your injuries in relation to the accident. It becomes clear who is at fault for them. Once you get that care, follow through. Complete all recommended tests, get the treatment recommended, and be sure you follow up. All of this helps to build your case.
Fighting for Your Future Means Hiring an Attorney
Surviving a New Jersey motorcycle accident means taking immediate steps to protect your health. It also means getting legal guidance. Your future is often dependent on your ability to recover truly fair compensation, money you need for future medical care, and to support you while you cannot work. An attorney will fight for that coverage.
Set Up a Free Consultation with Us Now
Our New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer is ready to fight for you. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and determine what your right to compensation really is. Kwartler Manus is always available to victims.
Blog Disclaimer – Kwartler Manus, LLC
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Reading or interacting with this content does not establish an attorney-client relationship with Kwartler Manus, LLC. Every legal matter is unique, and past results, settlements, verdicts, or case outcomes do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future matter. This content may be considered Attorney Advertising under the rules of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. You should not act or rely upon any information contained in this blog without seeking the advice of a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation. Kwartler Manus, LLC is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and this blog is intended for residents of those jurisdictions.