What to Do After a Serious Motorcycle Accident

A motorcycle accident can change your life in an instant. And unlike car accidents, motorcycle crashes often result in severe injuries because there’s little protection between you and the road. The aftermath can feel overwhelming.

If you’ve been seriously hurt in a motorcycle accident, the steps you take immediately afterward can make a major difference in your physical recovery and your ability to pursue fair compensation. 

Here’s what you need to do next.

• Get to Safety and Seek Medical Help

Your first priority is your health and safety. If you’re able, move out of the roadway to avoid further danger from oncoming traffic. Call 911 immediately, even if you think your injuries aren’t severe. Many serious injuries, such as internal bleeding or head trauma, don’t always show symptoms right away.

Getting medical attention right after the crash does more than protect your health. It also creates a medical record that connects your injuries directly to the accident. This documentation will become crucial if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim later.

If you’re taken to the hospital, make sure you tell the medical staff exactly what happened and describe every symptom, no matter how small it seems. Even mild pain can worsen over time, and the more detailed your record is, the stronger your case will be.

• Contact Law Enforcement and Document Everything

A police report is one of the most valuable pieces of evidence in a motorcycle accident case. When officers arrive, provide them with your account of what happened, but keep it factual and concise. Avoid speculating or assigning blame in the moment.

If you’re physically able, take photos and videos of the scene before vehicles are moved. Capture your motorcycle, the other vehicles involved, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. (Basically any information or details you have are going to be helpful.) 

Afterward, request a copy of the official police report as soon as it’s available. It will include critical details like road conditions, citations issued, and the officer’s initial findings about fault.

• Notify Your Insurance Company

Even if another driver caused the crash, you should notify your own insurance provider promptly. Most policies require quick reporting of any accident, and failing to do so could jeopardize coverage.

Be factual when speaking to insurance representatives, but avoid providing recorded statements or signing anything before consulting with an attorney. Insurance adjusters often look for ways to minimize payouts or shift blame onto motorcyclists.

If you receive calls from the other driver’s insurance company, do not discuss the accident with them directly. Instead, refer them to your attorney once you’ve secured legal representation.

• Gather and Preserve Evidence

In the days following the accident, gather as much documentation as possible. This includes:

• Medical records and hospital bills
• Prescriptions and treatment plans
• Photos of your injuries as they heal
• Repair or replacement estimates for your motorcycle
• Lost wage statements or employment records

You’ll also want to keep a personal journal of how your injuries affect your daily life. Write down things like pain levels, missed activities, and emotional struggles. These details may seem small, but they paint a powerful picture of how the accident has impacted you.

• Consult an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney

After a serious motorcycle crash, having the right attorney on your side is one of the smartest moves you can make. Your lawyer will understand how to navigate the specific challenges you’re facing and can proactively protect your rights. They’ll investigate the accident, gather evidence, handle negotiations, and make sure you’re not taken advantage of by insurers.

“If another driver’s negligent or reckless conduct caused your accident, our motorcycle injury lawyers might help you recover personal injury damages from liable insurers,” Kinon Law Firm points out. “This often means filing a detailed claim for damages with the driver’s auto insurance company or holding third parties – such as bars selling alcohol to underage college students – responsible for drunk driving accidents.”

That last part is key — sometimes, more than one party is responsible. For example, a bar that over-served an intoxicated driver may share liability. An attorney will identify every potential source of compensation to ensure you receive the full amount you’re entitled to.

• Don’t Admit Fault

After an accident, you might feel pressure to apologize or take some of the blame — especially if you’re in shock or trying to diffuse tension at the scene. But even a simple “I’m sorry” can be used against you later.

Fault isn’t always straightforward in motorcycle crashes. Road conditions, visibility issues, vehicle defects, or another driver’s negligence may all play a role. Let the investigation determine what really happened.

Your attorney will analyze everything to build a clear case proving who’s truly responsible. Don’t make that job harder by saying something that could be misinterpreted.

• Follow Your Doctor’s Orders

Insurance companies often look for any excuse to argue that you’re not as injured as you claim. Missing medical appointments or failing to follow your doctor’s treatment plan gives them that opening.

Keep every appointment, take prescribed medications, and follow recovery recommendations (even when progress feels slow). Not only will this help you heal faster, but it also demonstrates that you’re taking your health seriously and that your injuries are legitimate.

If you need to miss an appointment for any reason, document why and reschedule immediately. Consistency is your best defense against skepticism from insurance adjusters or opposing attorneys.

Being Patient Yet Proactive

Motorcycle injury claims can take time. While it’s natural to want closure quickly, rushing into a settlement could mean walking away with less than you deserve. Insurance companies often make early lowball offers in the hope you’ll accept before realizing the full cost of your injuries.

Trust the process and your attorney. They’ll handle the negotiations and communication so you can focus on what really matters: Healing and rebuilding your life.