Knowing what to do—and what not to do—after a motorcycle accident is essential to protecting your health and legal rights. When you take the right steps to safeguard your best interests, you could also strengthen your case.
Working with our Long Island motorcycle accident lawyers will provide you with additional guidance as we navigate the claims process for you. Until you have an attorney on your side managing your case, consider these tips about what not to do after an injury crash.
In This Article
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- Nine Things Not to Do After a Motorcycle Collision Injury
- How Will a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Represent Me?
- How Long Do I Have to Hold an At-Fault Driver Accountable for My Motorcycle Crash?
- Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Team for a Free Consultation
Nine Things Not to Do After a Motorcycle Collision Injury
These are nine things to keep in mind following a motorcycle accident in New York:1. Don’t Leave the Accident Scene
Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal and will make it difficult or impossible to recover appropriate compensation in your case. Instead, stay put and wait for authorities, even if you believe you do not have serious injuries.2. Don’t Refuse Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, get a medical evaluation. If the EMTs who respond to your accident recommend ambulance transportation to an emergency department, listen to them. If not, go to your doctor or a clinic as soon as possible for an examination. Many injuries are not obvious immediately after a crash, and medical documentation is critical for your insurance claim.3. Don’t Admit Fault or Apologize
Insurance carriers, police officers, and others could misconstrue some statements as admitting fault. It is imperative to avoid apologizing for what happened or making statements that admit fault. Such statements could be used against you later.4. Don’t Let Them Talk You Out of Calling the Police
Sometimes, at-fault drivers will try to convince victims not to call law enforcement after a motorcycle accident. This could occur because they do not have insurance or a driver’s license, or they are violating another law, such as New York’s law against drunk driving. A police report makes it easier for you to establish the case facts and support your claim or lawsuit.5. Don’t Skip Calling Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance carrier about the accident as soon as you can or, if you prefer, right after hiring our law firm. This is necessary to comply with the requirements usually included in these policies.6. Don’t Speak to the Other Party’s Insurer
Insurance companies often request recorded statements from crash victims. You should politely refuse this interview until you have an attorney representing you. Insurance adjusters want to pay out as little as possible. They could use your own words against you, so you want to consult with our motorcycle injury lawyers before you discuss the case with an insurer.7. Don’t Throw Away Receipts
Keep all receipts, records of medical bills, treatment plans, repair estimates, and any correspondence with insurance companies. They will serve as evidence of your damages and are vital for recovering appropriate compensation in your legal case.8. Don’t Delay in Consulting an Attorney
As soon as your injuries are stable and you can make a phone call, seek legal advice from our motorcycle accident law firm. Our legal team will assess your options, guide you through the claims process, and protect your rights.9. Don’t Post on Social Media
Refrain from sharing details about the accident, your injuries, or the case online. Even with strong privacy settings, insurance companies can still find ways to use your own social media posts against you.For a free legal consultation, call (516) 932-0400
How Will a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Represent Me?
Hiring our motorcycle accident attorneys takes the burden of managing your case off your shoulders, improving your peace of mind. Your personal injury lawyer will handle your insurance claim, lawsuit, or other legal matters while you focus on treatment and healing. The steps our law firm will take to manage your case include:- Providing regular updates on your case
- Investigating and identifying liable parties
- Communicating with the insurance companies and other parties for you
- Gathering all potential evidence and building a convincing case
- Determining a value for your case based on the documentation of your damages
- Current and Future Medical Care: Your medical care for injuries, including future care and support needs
- Lost Income: Money for the time you missed working, or for reduced ability to work and earn if you have long-term injuries or lasting impairments
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of property damaged in the crash
- Other Costs: Related expenses with receipts
- Pain and Suffering: Physical and emotional pain, distress, and other non-economic losses
How Long Do I Have to Hold an At-Fault Driver Accountable for My Motorcycle Crash?
You only have a limited time to weigh your options and seek compensation following a motorcycle accident. In New York, these timelines are set by New York Civil Practice Laws & Rules § 214. If you miss the applicable deadline for filing an insurance claim or suing an at-fault driver, you will likely lose the right to do so. These deadlines are one reason why you should promptly contact an attorney familiar with motorcycle accident cases. Our lawyers will ensure you follow the applicable timeline and advise you about what you should and should not do after your motorcycle accident.Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Team for a Free Consultation
At Friedman & Simon Injury Lawyers L.L.P., you will speak to a team member about your case for free during your initial case consultation. We will evaluate your options and discuss how our motorcycle accident lawyers handle these cases. We will tell you what not to do after a motorcycle accident and take the correct steps while seeking appropriate compensation based on your damages. Our lawyers meet with clients on Long Island or elsewhere in the New York metropolitan area. Call us today for your free consultation, or complete our online form to have a team member call you.Call or text (516) 932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form