On behalf of The Joy E. Miserendino Law Firm, P.C. on Wednesday, September 19, 2018.
In a bustling state like New York, there are a lot of people who choose to make their motorcycle a daily driver or just take it out for a leisurely spin. However, being a motorcyclist on a busy road can be a risk to your safety.
According to the National Highway Safety Association, New York is a dangerous state to be a biker. From 2014 to 2015, there was a staggering 14 percent increase in motorcycle fatalities.
Step 1: Make sure you are uninjured
It is important, especially for someone as unprotected on the road as a motorcyclist, to make sure you are alright after an accident. Check yourself for injuries, whether minor or severe, you may want to see a medical professional to assess your injuries.
Step 2: Get out of the road
If you are well enough to move, it may be wise to move your bike out of the roadway. The last thing you want is to be crashed into by another vehicle while you are dealing with the aftermath of the first crash.
Step 3: Call the police
Calling the police is an important step that often goes undone. The police can take statements from you and the other driver, assess the scene and the situation, and file a police report. Having a police report can help you in filing an insurance claim later on.
Step 4: Document the scene
Take photos. If your bike is badly damaged, having photographic evidence will aid in making sure that the other driver (or your insurance) does not attempt to say there was less damage than there really was. Write down your experience. Details may become hazy after an accident, especially with adrenaline running high. Having an account of the crash from the scene can help make sure that you remember every detail.
Step 5: Exchange information
- Get the other drivers:
- Name
- Phone number
- Insurance information
- License plate number and vehicle description
Step 6: File a claim
Each insurance companies have their own policies on when they want you to notify them of a crash, but most want you to file as soon as possible after an accident. Some even want you to call from the scene. Confer with your insurance or a legal professional on how to proceed further.
