What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Connecticut?
Taking the right steps after a motorcycle crash can mean the difference between a fair settlement and a denied claim. However, most riders don’t know where to start or what mistakes could jeopardize their case. Whether you’ve been sideswiped by a driver who didn’t check their blind spot or hit by a driver who violated your right-of-way, here is what you should do to protect both your health and your legal rights after a motorcycle accident in Connecticut. Contact our New Haven motorcycle accident lawyers to discuss your legal options. Schedule your free consultation today.
Call Emergency Services
Your priority after any motorcycle accident is to call 911. Even if your injuries seem minor at the moment, you need police and medical personnel on the scene. A police report creates an official record of the accident, documenting critical details like the date, time, location, and parties involved. This report becomes essential evidence when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action. Additionally, emergency responders can provide immediate medical care and ensure everyone involved receives proper attention.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine after the crash, you should still get checked by a medical professional. Conditions like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage might not become obvious until hours or even days later. Going to a hospital can potentially save your life.
Getting prompt medical attention also creates a documented link between the accident and your injuries, which insurance companies will scrutinize when evaluating your claim. Delaying treatment allows insurers to argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident or aren’t as serious as you claim.
Document the Motorcycle Accident Scene
If you are physically able, gather as much evidence as possible at the scene. Use your phone to take photos and videos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and visible injuries. Capture multiple angles and get wide shots that show the overall scene.
If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information so they can provide a statement later. When you have an opportunity, write down your own recollection of events while the details are fresh in your mind.
Exchange Information with the Involved Parties
You are required by law to exchange information with the other drivers involved in the accident. Collect the names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information from everyone involved in the crash. Be polite but cautious in your interactions—avoid admitting fault or apologizing. These statements can be used against you later. Stick to factual information and let the evidence speak for itself.
Contact a New Haven Motorcycle Accident Attorney
After seeking medical care, speak with a New Haven motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your case. Insurance companies often move quickly to settle claims. Without experienced legal representation, you may find yourself pressured into accepting a settlement that doesn’t come close to covering your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Our New Haven motorcycle accident attorneys at Lynch, Traub, Keefe, & Errante can guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you truly deserve. They can conduct a thorough investigation to establish liability, gather critical evidence like accident reconstruction reports and witness statements, handle all communication with insurance adjusters, and much more. To protect your rights after the crash, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in New Haven as soon as possible to discuss your next steps.