What Are 8 Things You Should Do After A Motorcycle Accident?
A motorcycle accident can leave you dealing with injuries, damage to your bike, and calls from insurance companies. You may be unsure what to do next or how to protect your claim. Taking the right steps after an accident can help protect your health, your rights, and your ability to pursue compensation.
At Cellino Law, we often speak with people who are unsure where to begin after a motorcycle accident. Our team will review your case, explain your options, and help guide you through the process. Schedule a free case evaluation online or contact us at 888-888-8888 to speak with a member of our team.
Key Takeaways on What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident
- After a motorcycle accident, check for injuries and call 911 right away.
- Document the scene with photos, videos, and witness information to help support your injury claim.
- Be sure to seek medical attention even if you feel okay after a motorcycle accident.
- Avoid admitting fault before speaking with a motorcycle accident attorney.
1. Call 911 And Report The Accident
Your first step after a motorcycle accident should be to check yourself for injuries, then call 911. Police can secure the scene, request medical help, and create an accident report. This report may include:
- The date, time, and location of the crash
- Names of drivers involved
- Insurance information
- Witness details
- Initial observations about what happened
A police report can become an important part of your claim, especially if there are questions later about how the accident happened.
2. Move To a Safe Location
After a motorcycle accident, you should move out of the road if you can do so safely. Move to the shoulder or another safe area nearby while you wait for help. If you cannot move safely, stay where you are and wait for emergency responders.
Avoid moving your motorcycle until police arrive unless it’s creating a danger. The position of the bike and other vehicles may help show how the accident happened.
3. Document The Scene
If you’re able, gather evidence before the scene changes. This can help support your claim later. Try to take photos or videos of:
- Your motorcycle and any other vehicles involved
- The road, traffic signs, skid marks, and debris
- Your injuries and damage to your helmet, clothing, or riding gear
If there are any witnesses, get their contact information. Witnesses can help explain what really happened if the other driver gives a different version of events.
4. Exchange Information With The Other Driver
After a motorcycle accident, it’s important to gather accurate information from the other driver. This helps when filing an insurance claim or speaking with a motorcycle accident attorney. Information you should get includes:
- Name and contact information
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, and license plate number
Keep the conversation focused on facts and avoid discussing who was at fault. This can help protect you if fault is questioned later.
5. Be Careful What You Say After The Accident
After a motorcycle accident, what you say at the scene or to an insurance company can affect your claim. To protect yourself, it’s important to:
- Avoid guessing about what caused the accident
- Not admit fault at the scene
- Keep statements brief and factual
Determining fault after a motorcycle accident takes time and a careful review of the facts. Let the process play out and avoid making statements that could affect your claim later.
6. Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Motorcycle riders are more exposed than people in cars, which means injuries can be serious even when protective gear is worn. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away. To protect your health and your claim, you should:
- Get checked by a doctor as soon as possible
- Follow all treatment recommendations
- Keep records of your visits, symptoms, and medical bills
Seeing a doctor creates a record of your injuries and helps link them to the accident.
7. Contact A Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, a motorcycle accident attorney can help protect your rights and guide you through the claims process. An attorney can help with:
- Gathering evidence and reviewing police reports
- Handling communication with insurance companies
- Identifying who may be responsible
- Pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages
Speaking with an attorney can help you understand motorcycle accident liability and what steps to take next.
8. Notify Your Insurance Company
After speaking with a motorcycle accident attorney, you should report the accident to your insurance company. When reporting the accident, try to:
- Avoid giving a recorded statement without legal guidance
- Stick to the basic facts about what happened
- Avoid guessing about fault
You should also avoid accepting a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries. A settlement may not cover future medical care, missed work, or other losses if your injuries turn out to be more serious than you first thought.
Talk To A Motorcycle Injury Attorney Today
Knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident can help protect your health, your rights, and your claim. From documenting the scene to getting medical care and speaking with an attorney, the steps you take early on make a difference.
At Cellino Law, we help injured riders understand their options and navigate the claims process. Schedule a free case evaluation online or call 888-888-8888 to speak with a member of our team today.
Content checked by the personal injury attorney Timothy Cellino
Timothy Cellino
As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community.
I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.
