10 Thing To Do After A Moped Accident

Riding a moped through New Jersey’s streets may not seem as dangerous as driving a motorcycle. Still, hazardous conditions, inexperience, and others have the potential to cause moped accidents.

Mopeds are not toys. They are legitimate forms of transportation, just like motorcycles and other motor vehicles, and should be treated as such, which means that you should always wear protective gear and follow the rules of the road when driving a moped.

The moments immediately following a moped accident in New Jersey are crucial for moped accident victims. That is especially true if another driver is at fault. However, those moments following the accident may also be the most hectic.

A moped accident victim might experience shock, stress, surprise, disorientation, confusion, and physical pain in the moments following the accident. Still, the next steps that they take can significantly impact any accident claim that is made in the future.

The moped accident attorneys at Richard J. Hallowell have come up with this handy list of ten things every moped accident victim should do right after a moped crash in New Jersey.

Step 1: Stay calm and assess the situation.

Your safety and the safety of anyone around you should be your number one priority following a moped accident. All vehicles should be moved out of the roadway, if possible, to avoid obstructing traffic and look for any apparent accident injuries or property damage.

Step 2: Determine if anyone is injured.

Call an ambulance immediately if anyone has suffered injuries from the moped accident, including yourself.

If you are experienced in first aid and can help someone who might need attention, be sure to do so. Remember, you should always avoid moving accident victims who are unconscious or immobile unless necessary.

Step 3: If you’re the moped driver, keep all protective gear in place.

If you are a moped driver, you should wear a helmet and other protective gear. These items are designed as protection in an accident. In the moments following a moped accident, you could be suffering from shock or generally unaware of your injuries.

Removing a helmet or other protective gear could cause additional harm. Always keep your protective gear on until help arrives and your injuries can be evaluated.

Step 4: Call 911 and summon the police.

Following a moped accident in New Jersey, you should dial 911 and summon the police. This step is important because if anyone was injured in the accident, if drugs or alcohol played a role, or if there was any property damage, a police presence will help ensure a successful claim later on.

Police reports play an important role in insurance claims and as crucial evidence in legal proceedings. For example, the police report from your moped accident will offer essential details such as who was involved, the conditions surrounding the accident, and who may be to blame. This can help you know what not to say to your insurance adjuster as well.

Step 5: Offer your statement to the police.

After a moped accident, you must give your side of the story to the police so that it becomes part of the official accident report. If you cannot make a statement because of your injuries, make it a point to contact the responding authorities as soon as possible after the accident.

Request an official copy of the police report as soon as it is available and immediately review it for accuracy. If you notice inaccuracies, ask the police to let you provide additional information.

Step 6: Seek Medical Attention.

If you are a moped driver involved in a New Jersey moped accident, you have far fewer protections than others on the road. As a result, you are at risk of more severe road injury.

Even if your injuries were not severe enough to summon an ambulance to the scene, get an evaluation from a medical professional when you can. Following a moped accident, injuries can be severe even if you don’t realize it, and having a record of your medical history following the accident will be vital to your accident claim.

Step 7: Exchange personal information.

Following a moped accident, don’t forget to exchange critical information like names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information with anyone involved.

While this step is important, limit your other contact with other parties involved in your accident and don’t make statements about what might have caused the accident or additional details about your insurance policy. Anything you say to another driver could affect your accident insurance claim.

Step 8: Gather evidence.

Following the accident, if you are able, take pictures at the scene, documenting any property and vehicle damage, skid marks, road debris, or anything else that may be relevant. In this age of smartphones, taking pictures at an accident scene is easier than ever, so take as many as possible.  

Also, write down relevant information, like weather and road conditions, traffic information, etc. It will be useful in your claim and can help you remember accident details later on.

If there were accident witnesses, gather their statements and collect their contact information.

Step 9: Report the moped accident to your insurance company.

Whether your claim is processed by your carrier, by another party’s carrier, or goes to court, reporting the accident to your insurance company protects your rights so you can get the compensation you deserve.  

Step 10: Call a New Jersey moped accident attorney.

The sooner you contact a New Jersey personal injury attorney after your moped accident, the sooner you’ll be able to file a claim and receive compensation for medical expenses, pain & suffering, lost income, or other damages.

A personal injury attorney will look out for your best interests and ensure that you’re treated fairly throughout the claims process.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a New Jersey moped accident, call the team of professionals at Richard J. Hallowell at 1-800-681-3550 or click here for a free case evaluation.