A motorcycle crash that happens in an instant can leave lasting consequences. Serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about what to do next often follow. Understanding what to do after a motorcycle accident in the Bronx is essential for protecting your health and your right to recover compensation.
The steps you take immediately after a collision can influence the strength of your case later. This guide explains the actions that matter most, how New York’s insurance laws apply to motorcyclists, and when to contact a lawyer for guidance.
Step 1: Get to Safety and Seek Medical Attention
The priority after any motorcycle crash is safety. Move out of traffic if possible and call 911. Emergency responders will assess injuries and transport anyone who needs hospital care. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, get a complete medical evaluation.
Some severe conditions, such as internal bleeding or head trauma, are not always obvious right away. A prompt medical record also establishes the connection between the accident and your injuries, which becomes critical if you pursue a claim later. Follow all recommendations from your doctor, keep copies of your discharge papers, and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments. These medical records are often the foundation of a successful injury case.
Step 2: Notify the Authorities and Gather Evidence
Always report the crash to the police. In New York, the law requires you to report any collision involving injury or significant property damage. The officer’s written report provides an official record of what occurred, including time, location, and witness statements.
If you are physically able, take photographs or video of the scene before vehicles are moved. Capture damage to your motorcycle, the other vehicle, skid marks, weather conditions, and anything else that might help explain how the crash happened. Exchange names, phone numbers, license plate details, and insurance information with the other driver, and ask for contact information from witnesses.
Even small details can make a difference later. Preserving this evidence gives your attorney more to work with when determining who is responsible.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance and Understand No-Fault Coverage
New York is a no-fault insurance state, but motorcyclists are treated differently from drivers of standard vehicles. Motorcyclists are not covered under the state’s no-fault system, which means you cannot automatically rely on your own insurance for medical bills and lost wages the way car drivers can.
Instead, an injured motorcyclist must file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company or pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Your own policy may include optional “medical payments” or uninsured motorist coverage, but these are separate protections that vary from rider to rider.
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible to preserve any benefits under your policy, but avoid giving recorded statements until you have spoken with a lawyer. Insurance representatives work to limit payouts and are experts at taking casual remarks out of context.
Step 4: Consult a Bronx Motorcycle Accident Attorney
After receiving medical treatment and notifying your insurer, the next step is to contact a Bronx attorney experienced in motorcycle accident claims. An attorney can help determine who is liable, calculate damages, and handle communications with insurance companies.
Because motorcycles are excluded from no-fault coverage, riders often face greater financial risk after a crash. Legal representation helps identify all liable parties, including another driver, a vehicle manufacturer, or a government entity responsible for unsafe road conditions.
A lawyer also helps document medical expenses, repair costs, and lost income. They can coordinate with investigators or accident reconstruction experts if fault is disputed. In short, early legal involvement protects evidence and keeps deadlines on track.
Step 5: Prepare for the Legal Process
Knowing what to expect after a motorcycle accident can help you navigate the months ahead with more confidence. Once you hire an attorney, they will conduct a detailed investigation and gather the evidence needed to build your case. The process often includes:
- Reviewing police and medical reports,
- Interviewing witnesses,
- Consulting with accident reconstruction specialists, and
- Communicating with insurance adjusters on your behalf.
If the insurer refuses a fair settlement, your attorney may file a lawsuit. New York’s statute of limitations generally gives you three years from the date of the crash to bring a personal injury action, but certain exceptions can shorten that period. Acting quickly helps ensure compliance with all deadlines.
Many cases resolve through settlement, but your attorney will prepare each step as though a trial were possible. That preparation often leads to stronger results during negotiations.
Why Legal Guidance Matters After a Bronx Motorcycle Crash
Motorcycle accidents often involve more severe injuries than other motor-vehicle collisions. Medical expenses, rehabilitation, and time away from work can create overwhelming pressure. Without skilled legal guidance, it can be difficult to recover full compensation for those losses.
Since 1959, Greenspan & Greenspan has represented injured people throughout the Bronx and across New York. Our firm’s longevity reflects our commitment to thorough case preparation and the development of trusted client relationships. We understand the complexities of motorcycle claims and the challenges riders face when dealing with large insurance carriers.
When we take on a case, we focus on obtaining meaningful results that cover medical costs, lost income, and the long-term effects of the injury so that you can focus on healing.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash, you likely have several questions about your next steps. The following answers address some of the most common concerns.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Bronx Motorcycle Crash?
You may be eligible to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. In cases involving severe or permanent injury, claims may also include payment for future medical treatment and reduced earning capacity.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in New York?
In most motorcycle accident cases, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the crash. However, if a public entity such as the City of New York is involved, you must file a Notice of Claim within ninety days.
What If I Was Partly at Fault for the Accident?
New York follows a comparative negligence rule. That means that even if you share some responsibility, you can still recover compensation, but the percentage of your fault will reduce your award. Determining fault accurately is one of the key roles of your attorney.
How Is Motorcycle Insurance Different from Car Insurance?
Motorcycle insurance policies in New York do not include no-fault protection. Riders must rely on liability claims or their own optional coverage for compensation. This difference is a significant reason why legal guidance is so necessary after a crash.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Minor Injuries?
Even minor injuries can worsen over time. A lawyer can evaluate the full scope of your losses and ensure that any settlement reflects potential long-term effects. Seeking legal advice early on helps avoid signing away rights.
Speak with a Bronx Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The aftermath of a motorcycle crash can feel overwhelming, but by following these steps after a motorcycle accident, you protect both your health and your legal rights.
Greenspan & Greenspan offers personalized representation for injured riders throughout the Bronx and beyond. Since 1959, our attorneys have helped clients rebuild their lives after serious accidents. To discuss your case or learn more about your options, contact our office today.
