What Should I Do after a Motorcycle Accident in New Jersey?
A sudden accident can feel like an ambush, turning your life upside down in the blink of an eye. Dazed, confused, and in considerable pain, it can be difficult to stay calm in the aftermath. However, your actions in the moments following this traumatic event could have a significant impact on the outcome of your personal injury claim, so you need to think carefully about what you do next.
While Personal Injury Protection (PIP) will cover your medical expenses, there is a limit to how much this coverage will pay out. If your expenses exceed these limits, you may need to file a third-party claim against the at-fault motorist to recover compensation for your injuries and other damages.
In such situations, you should expect the at-fault motorist’s insurer to look for any reason to dispute your claim. If you made any mistakes after the collision, the claims adjuster could highlight these errors to challenge your credibility. With that mind, let’s look at a few steps you can take to protect your claim:
Seek Medical Treatment
If you were able to walk away from the accident, you might not feel like it’s necessary to visit the doctor. However, a wreck can put you in a state of shock that could leave you numb to certain sensations and symptoms.
Additionally, there are some serious conditions such as brain trauma and internal injuries that might not show symptoms immediately. Visiting the doctor as soon as possible after the accident will not only ensure you get a prompt diagnosis, but can also help you tie your injuries to the crash and help mitigate disputes over liability.
Contact Authorities
In New Jersey, you are required to report any crash that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 to the police. Officers will usually compile an official report that will include details about the wreck such as the time, date, location, and the names of those involved. This document may play a crucial role in proving aspects of your claim.
Gather and Compile Evidence from the Scene
If you are physically able to do so, you should take photographs of the accident scene, making sure to snap pictures of the damage to the vehicles involved, your injuries, road markings, nearby street signs, and other elements that could help prove fault.
If someone saw the collision happen, you should write down their contact information to share with your attorney. Additionally, if you noticed surveillance cameras in the vicinity of the accident scene, you should note the locations of these recording devices.
Contact Your Insurer
Many insurance companies require claimants to report accidents within a certain period of time. Failing to inform your insurer within this timeframe could result in your claim being denied. As such, you should report the accident as soon as possible. Stick to the facts such as the date, time, location, and the names of the drivers involved; you should never discuss fault.
Discuss Your Claim with a New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you were or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle wreck, turn to the attorneys at the Clark Law Firm. Gerald Clark and his team of hand-picked professionals have secured some of the largest verdicts and settlements in New Jersey.
We offer free consultations—no office visit required. Contact us today at 877-841-8855 or click HERE and send us a message to request a case review.
