Motorcycle Accident Lawyer on Long Island

What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident

The decisions you make after motorcycle accidents can impact your claim down the road.

If you are involved in a severe motorcycle collision, taking the following steps can greatly increase your chances of recovering financial compensation:

• Get medical attention – Whether you’re taken to the ER by ambulance or see your family physician, you need to seek medical attention after a crash. There’s a chance that you may be seriously injured, even if you feel fine. But in addition to ensuring your health and safety, a doctor’s visit can provide the medical documentation necessary for litigation – documentation that will support your claim for compensation.
• Document the scene – Take photos and videos of your serious injuries, the damage to your bike, and of the other vehicle(s) involved in the collision. Pictures of evidence at the crash site, such as road debris, shattered glass, lighting conditions, and traffic signals, can help tell how the accident happened. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
• Report the crash – Not only is it important for your own sake to contact law enforcement after you’ve been involved in an accident, but New York law will likely require it. If the accident causes $1,000 or more in property damage, the drivers must file a Motor Vehicle Accident Report. This report must be submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles no more than 10 days after the incident.
• Contact a skilled Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer – The sooner you contact a motorcycle accident lawyer, the better. An attorney can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf, independently investigate the crash, and negotiate a settlement that fully and fairly compensates you for your economic and non-economic damages.
• Follow doctor’s orders – Both for your health and the strength of your motorcycle accident claim, please follow all medical advice given to you by your doctors. Attend all follow-up appointments and adhere to your treatment plan.
• Keep a pain journal – Maintaining a daily log of your pain can be helpful in establishing the consequences of your injuries. You’ll want to document how your injuries are impacting your daily life. This activity can be a healthy part of the recovery process and bolster your accident claim.
• Stay off social media – Do not post about the accident on any social media platforms, as insurers and their attorneys can find this information and may try to use your words against you to weaken your claim.
• Save your bills – Keep a record of all your medical bills, repair estimates, and any out-of-pocket expenses related to the serious motorcycle accident. These documents can help establish the extent of your financial losses.

Common Injuries Suffered in Motorcycle Collisions

Without the protection of a vehicle body, seat belt, or other safety systems commonly found on passenger vehicles, motorcycle accident victims face a significantly higher risk of life-altering or even fatal injuries in crashes.

Some of the common injuries that our Long Island motorcycle accident lawyers most frequently see include the following:

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Many motorcycle accidents are the result of a basic lack of awareness on the part of other motorists. Negligence and reckless driving behaviors also contribute to serious accidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 5,014 people lost their lives in U.S. motorcycle collisions in a recent year.

Some top causes of motorcycle accidents include: