As a motorcyclist, you are careful on the road. You know that other drivers often fail to see you, and you are far more likely to be injured in an accident on a motorcycle than if you are in a car. In fact, according to the New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety, you are five times as likely to be injured in an accident while on a motorcycle than if you were a passenger in a car or truck.
Even with the care and steps you take to prevent injury, however, accidents do happen. After an accident, it is important that you take steps to protect your health and your rights.
If you are in a motorcycle accident, you should:
1. Get medical attention now and keep getting it. Right after an accident, you should seek medical attention. Even if your symptoms seem minor now, they could get worse as time passes. Additionally, it is important that you keep receiving the medical attention you need. If you stop getting treatment, you may lose out on your ability to seek compensation for your full recovery in a lawsuit down the road.
2. Document as much as you can about the accident. Right after the accident, be sure to get information from the other driver. Get their name, insurance information and contact information. Also, if you have a camera or phone, take pictures of the accident. Record the contact information for any witnesses or law enforcement, and get a copy of the police report. All of this information can help you seek compensation later if your case goes to court, and your memory of the accident will fade as time passes.
3. Speak to a lawyer before accepting a settlement. After an accident, the insurance company may reach out to you with a settlement offer. This may not be the full compensation you need or are entitled to under the law. To avoid accepting a low settlement offer, speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer about your crash. An attorney can help you understand your options and help you negotiate for maximum benefits. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, your lawyer can also help you bring a lawsuit for additional compensation.
