While Syracuse, New York, may not be widely recognized as a major motorcycle hub, its scenic roads and picturesque landscapes provide attractive routes for motorcycle rides. Consequently, many riders cruise through the city, which has left an impression on local clubs that have sprung up. However, the sad reality is that with more bikers in the area, there is a greater chance of an accident.
Motorcycle accidents can cause serious injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. There are several nuances to this outcome that makes riders’ situations unique. Most importantly, riders wear less protective gear than drivers, which makes them vulnerable on the road. If you’ve ever been in this tragic situation or know someone who has experienced injuries on the road, consult a Syracuse motorcycle accident lawyer to help you seek restitution. Nonetheless, if you experience a crash, follow the overall guidance below. This will greatly help your legal case.
Calling the Police
The first step after an accident is calling the police. Law enforcement must be involved if someone has sustained any injury or the damage exceeds $1,000. The police will compile an accident report containing important information, including who may have been at fault and whether road conditions contributed to the incident.
Gathering Information
Once everyone is safe and out of harm’s way, try as much as possible to gather essential information about those involved in the accident, their contact details, and insurance coverage before leaving the incident scene.
It’s also crucial to check if any witnesses saw what happened since they can provide valuable insights into what occurred before and during the crash. Request their contact information since eyewitness testimonies can go a long way in providing critical accounts of accidents.
Preserving Physical Evidence
Physical evidence goes a long way when establishing liability after a crash. Therefore, it’s important not to remove anything from vehicular damage until it has been thoroughly photographed or documented by law enforcement personnel or legal counsel. Some physical features that are significant evidence include:
Vehicle Damage – minor scratches on paintwork could indicate where each vehicle made an impact; tire tracks may also serve as useful indications of how vehicles moved pre-impact.
Clothes Damage – tear marks on clothing may show force impacts from collision.
Weather Conditions – poor weather conditions like rain reflect on pavement markings when pictures are taken immediately following an incident. Though it can be difficult under certain circumstances, leaving as much evidence as possible at the scene is best.
Taking Photographs
Photographs capture emergency responders’ efforts in dealing with victims and show impacts on vehicles involved. Pictures of damage can make a significant difference when insurers try to determine fault, particularly if they were photographs taken soon after the accident – as long as it doesn’t interfere with any investigation procedures.
Make sure you also photograph your injuries, road signs, and markings around intersections relevant to where the incident occurred. If debris from motorcycles, such as plastic or glass, is scattered on site, especially distinguishing marks that disclose which bike was involved.
Documenting Medical Treatment
Any medical treatment received should be detailed extensively regardless of severity since documentation significantly determines compensable costs during litigation. Keep all receipts and doctors’ notes for all treatments after a crash from medical facilities. Never, ever go on a ride (especially a solo ride) without keeping this in mind, as anything can happen that may require you to undergo immediate medical attention.
Maintaining Communication Record
Ensure conversations between you and other parties involved in an accident are recorded, including names, contact details, registration numbers, etc. The messaging feature found in mobile devices can act towards this by capturing text messages or emails exchanged prior to the accident by anyone wishing to discuss or meet with another about riding conditions or other activity-related matters while using their motorcycle equipment.
Obtaining Professional Assistance
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, you must seek legal assistance from professionals specializing in personal injury law. Normally those lawyers offer free consultations and can help put together documents detailing how much compensation is likely owed after a careful review of damages sustained, whether emotionally or physically, resulting from the accident. So don’t delay contacting one today.
Conclusion
Collecting evidence after an accident is pivotal. Any mistakes made could make the evidential value less beneficial over time if not done promptly following an incident occurrence – there’s no harm in being cautious, though; always asking legal counsel alongside police personnel for guidance pertaining to necessary steps. Maintaining records of conversations, physical evidence regarding vehicles involved, or injuries sustained is just part of the entire process required to ensure your claim for compensation following a motorcycle accident holds up well in court.