Steps to Take When You Have Been Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident

Protecting Your Health and Your Legal Rights

In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, you need to take certain basic steps to protect your health, as well as your right to recover compensation for your losses.

Get the Medical Attention You Need

Your first priority needs to be your health. Unfortunately, because of the lack of protection and the nature of motorcycle accidents, many injuries are serious. If you are unable to move under your own power, or if you are uncertain of the extent of your injuries, don’t move! Wait until emergency medical personnel arrive and defer to their knowledge and expertise. This is not the time to be brave or strong—you’ve been hurt. Ignoring or “fighting through” your injuries can often make them much worse.

If you need to go to the hospital by ambulance, do so. Even if you can get up and walk away, it’s essential that you seek medical care as soon as possible. Go to the hospital or an urgent care facility or schedule an appointment with your doctor. The longer you wait, the greater the risk that defense attorneys will either argue that your injuries were not that severe, or that your injuries were caused by some subsequent event.

When you receive medical treatment, tell the doctor about everything that’s out of the ordinary—not just the obvious injuries. Don’t focus on the broken arm and neglect to mention your stiff neck. Make certain the doctor puts everything in writing.

Gather Evidence

To the extent that you can, gather information from anyone who was involved in the accident, as well as any potential witnesses. That includes name, address, phone number and other information that will allow your attorney to contact them.

Take pictures of everything—the damage to any vehicle, your injuries, the weather or road conditions. The camera on your phone is fine.

Hire an Attorney

The sooner you retain legal counsel, the sooner you’ll have a professional gathering and preserving evidence to support your claim. Your attorney can also be your advocate with insurance companies.

Contact Attorney David J. Karbasian

At the Law Offices of David J. Karbasian, PC, we’ve fought for the rights of people injured in motorcycle accidents for more than 30 years. We offer a free initial consultation to all new clients. To arrange an interview, contact us by e-mail or call our office at 856-667-4666 (toll free at 1-877-HOGLAW1). We’ll meet with you in your home or at the hospital, if necessary. Evening and weekend appointments are available upon request.

We take all motorcycle accident injury claims on a contingent fee basis. We won’t charge attorney fees unless we get compensation for your losses.

“I ride and know firsthand how motorcyclists are mistreated and disrespected on all roads in New Jersey.” – David J. Karbasian