What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Immediately after the accident, check yourself and others for injuries. Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and road rash. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately and request medical assistance.

If you’re able to move, try to get to a safe area away from traffic to avoid any further danger. If your motorcycle is still in the roadway, leave it there until it's safe to move. Moving yourself to safety should be your top priority.

Even if the accident seems minor, it's important to call the police and report the accident. A police report will document the details of the accident, which will be crucial for insurance claims and any legal proceedings. The police will assess the scene, take witness statements, and determine whether any traffic laws were violated.

Having an official police report can strengthen your case when dealing with insurance companies or if you need to pursue legal action against the other party involved.

While waiting for the police to arrive, take the opportunity to gather evidence from the scene. If you're physically able, document the accident with photos and videos. Take pictures of the following:

• Your motorcycle and any visible damage
• Damage to other vehicles involved
• The position of the vehicles in the accident
• Skid marks, debris, and any road conditions that may have contributed to the crash
• Traffic signs, signals, or other landmarks

Also, collect contact information from the other driver(s) involved, including their name, phone number, driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance details. Don’t forget to get contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident, as their statements may be important later.

Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it's crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent. Delaying medical care can lead to complications and could also weaken any future insurance or legal claims, as it may appear that your injuries weren’t related to the accident.

Follow your doctor’s instructions for treatment and document all medical visits, treatments, and bills, as these will be important for any insurance or legal claims you make.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide them with all the necessary information and documentation, including the police report, photos, and any witness statements. Be honest and factual when describing the accident, but avoid admitting fault, as determining liability is a complex legal matter that may not be clear right away.

Keep in mind that insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, so you may want to consider consulting with a lawyer if the insurance company offers a settlement that doesn’t cover your medical bills or damages adequately.

If you’ve sustained serious injuries or believe that the other party was at fault, it's advisable to consult with a motorcycle accident attorney.

A lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accidents can help you navigate the legal system, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other losses.

An attorney can help you:

• Evaluate liability: Establish who was at fault in the accident
• Negotiate settlements: Work with insurance companies on your behalf
• File lawsuits: If necessary, file a legal claim for compensation

Having an experienced attorney can greatly increase your chances of receiving appropriate compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and motorcycle repairs or replacement.

After the accident, make sure to keep thorough records of everything related to the crash, including:

• Medical records: Notes from your doctor, medical bills, and any treatments or therapies you receive
• Repair estimates: Any estimates or receipts for the cost of repairing your motorcycle
• Loss of income: Documentation of any wages lost due to your injuries or time off work
• Accident-related expenses: Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses such as transportation to doctor’s appointments or rental vehicle costs

Detailed records will help support your insurance claim or legal case and ensure that you’re compensated for all accident-related expenses.