A motorcycle crash can change your life in seconds. Once the bike is down and the adrenaline starts wearing off, what you do next matters.
You may be dealing with injuries, police reports, insurance companies, motorcycle damage, medical bills and lost income—all while trying to recover.
Here are 10 things every motorcyclist should do after a crash.
1. Get to a Safe Place
If you can safely move away from traffic, do so. Turn on hazard lights if available and warn approaching motorists.
Your first priority is preventing another collision.
2. Call 911
If anyone is injured, call 911 and request police and medical assistance.
Even when injuries don’t initially seem serious, having the crash officially documented can be important later.
3. Get Medical Attention
Don’t assume you’re okay just because you can stand up and walk.
Motorcycle crashes can cause injuries that aren’t immediately obvious. Follow the recommendations of medical professionals and keep records of your treatment.
Your health comes first.
4. Cooperate With Police—but Stick to the Facts
Give the responding officer an accurate account of what happened.
Don’t guess about speeds, distances or what another driver was thinking. And don’t accept blame simply because you’re shaken up.
Stick to what you know.
5. Get the Other Driver’s Information
If you’re physically able, obtain the other driver’s:
- Name
- Phone number
- Driver’s license information
- Insurance information
- License plate number
- Vehicle information
Also get contact information from anyone who witnessed the crash.
6. Take Pictures and Video
If it’s safe to do so, document as much as possible.
Photograph your motorcycle, the other vehicle, the roadway, traffic signals, skid marks, debris, road conditions, your riding gear and any visible injuries.
Don’t rely on someone else to preserve the evidence.
7. Preserve Your Motorcycle and Riding Gear
Don’t immediately repair, sell or dispose of your motorcycle.
Keep your helmet, jacket, gloves, boots and other gear. These items may help document what happened and the severity of the crash.
When possible, preserve the motorcycle in the condition it was in after the crash until you’ve received appropriate advice.
8. Keep Track of Everything
Start a file for the crash.
Keep copies of:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Prescription receipts
- Insurance correspondence
- Repair estimates
- Photographs
- Lost-wage documentation
- Notes about how your injuries affect your daily life
The more organized you are, the easier it can be to understand what happened and what losses you’re dealing with.
9. Be Careful With Insurance Companies
You should report the crash as required by your insurance policy, but be careful about providing detailed statements or signing documents before you understand what you’re agreeing to.
Remember: the insurance company’s interests aren’t necessarily the same as yours.
If you’re seriously injured, consider speaking with a qualified motorcycle injury attorney before making important decisions about a claim.
10. Call Me at 251-402-6392
This may be the most important call you make after a serious motorcycle crash.
Call me at 251-402-6392 to connect with a member of the National Academy of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers (NAMIL).
NAMIL is a nationwide organization focused on motorcycle injury law. Its member attorneys are required to meet membership standards, and NAMIL says its members have demonstrated experience and competency in motorcycle injury law and substantial experience handling complex motorcycle injury matters. (NAMIL Law)
NAMIL also maintains a directory designed to help motorcycle crash victims find attorneys who handle motorcycle injury cases in their area. (MotoInjuryLawyers)
You don’t have to figure everything out by yourself after a crash.
Get medical attention. Preserve the evidence. Know your rights. And make the call.
Ride safe. And if the worst happens, know what to do next.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws, deadlines and insurance requirements vary by state. NAMIL is a professional membership organization and not a law firm; its member attorneys are independent attorneys. (MotoInjuryLawyers)