Bikers face many risks on the road because they have much less protection than people in cars and trucks. All it takes is a momentary lapse from a distracted, drunk, or speeding driver to cause a crash that leaves a motorcyclist with a serious injuries or death – including broken bones, internal injuries, lost limbs, nerve damage, or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Unfortunately, it can also be difficult for motorcyclists to get full and fair compensation for their injuries. That’s why the steps you take immediately after a crash are so important – they not only protect your health, but also your legal rights.
Call 911 and start investigating the crash
Unless you must leave to get emergency medical attention, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime in New Jersey. Stay at the scene and call 911 so that the police can investigate what happened. Even before they arrive, though, you can start your investigation, including taking pictures of the area, any visible injuries, and any vehicle damage.
You also need to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, but keep your comments to anyone at the scene – the driver, witnesses, and even the investigating officer – truthful and brief. Stick to the facts of what happened. Motorcyclists are, unfortunately, often blamed for accidents, even when they have complied with all motor vehicle laws and are riding safely.
Get medical attention as soon as possible
Again, motorcycle crashes can cause a variety of serious injuries, and sometimes those injuries take time to develop. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening even though it’s not immediately apparent, and symptoms of a concussion may not appear for hours or days after the crash. Furthermore, while your adrenaline is high and your “fight or flight” response is engaged, you are not in a position to diagnose yourself.
That’s why, even if you feel okay, you should always see a doctor after a motorcycle accident. A doctor can evaluate you, order any additional medical tests like X-rays or MRIs, and start treating your injuries before they get worse. Just as importantly, seeing a doctor creates documentation of your injuries in case the insurance company and its lawyers later try to dispute them.
The other thing you need to do after an accident is continue to pay attention to your body. Again, motorcycle accidents can cause delayed-onset symptoms. If anything seems wrong, go back to your doctor, get checked out, and get it documented.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, you may have legal recourse
Depending on the facts and circumstances of your crash and the nature and severity of your injuries, you may be able to pursue damages (financial compensation) for:
- Medical expenses, both past and future.
- Lost wages and lost future income if your injury affects your ability to work.
- Replacement services (like childcare and yard work) if your injury affects your ability to complete those tasks at home.
- Pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
- Property damage to your motorcycle and any other personal property.
Getting full compensation for a motorcycle crash may be difficult, however. You need to prove that the other driver was at fault, and this can be especially hard in motorcycle cases because there is a bias against motorcyclists. That’s where an experienced attorney who knows how to develop a compelling case can make a significant difference.
Talk to an experienced attorney if you were hurt in a motorcycle accident
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident, the consequences can affect you for the rest of your life. You may need long-term medical care or lose your ability to earn income and do the things you love. Even if you make a full recovery, the costs during the recovery period can be significant.
That’s why you need a motorcycle accident attorney who understands riding, vehicle dynamics, common facts that are often seen in motorcycle crashes, and your legal rights and responsibilities. Whether you were hurt in a sideswipe collision, a left-hand turn collision, or rear-ended while stopped at a light, put yourself in the best position to win with an attorney who has a winning track record representing motorcyclists injured through no fault of their own.
You have legal rights. An experienced attorney can protect your rights. If you were injured on a motorcycle, talk to a New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer in your area today.
