Being in a motorcycle accident is terrifying, but if you own a motorcycle or ride one regularly, it’s important to know in advance what to do if such a calamity happens. Reacting quickly and as calmly as possible is crucial. You should also know something about the traffic laws that apply to your state. And while you want to believe that you won’t ever be in an accident, they happen far too often. In 2024, the state of Kentucky alone saw more than 1,600 motorcycle accidents. Be prepared by knowing what steps you need to take if you are ever in a motorcycle accident.
First Thing: Get Out of the Road
If it’s at all possible, you need to get out of the road. Don’t worry about your motorcycle. If you stay in the road, there’s too much of a risk of a vehicle hitting you. This won’t be out of malice or even because the driver doesn’t see you. It’s because the driver’s attention fixates on what’s in the road, and they may unconsciously aim for it.
Call for Police and Ambulance
Once you’re out of the road, call 911. Ask for both police and an ambulance. The police will write up a detailed report. Ask for an ambulance even if you think you or your passenger are uninjured. Some people don’t feel or notice even grievous injuries until sometime after the accident. This is also a reason why you shouldn’t remove your helmet or your passenger’s helmet while you wait for the ambulance.
At the same time, you shouldn’t touch your motorcycle or move anything else unless it gets in the way of you getting out of the road or risks further injury to you or someone else.
Collect Evidence
Collect as much evidence as you can. If you have a smartphone that’s still working, take pictures of basically everything in the vicinity. If you can timestamp the pictures, do so. Some experts even suggest that you take pictures of the sun if the accident happened during the day. It not only lets investigators know the approximate time of day but might show them that sun glare might have contributed to the accident. If you can, write down anything you can remember about the accident including the speed of your motorcycle, the weather, the condition of the road and the speed of the other vehicle. You should also exchange information with anyone else who was involved in or witness to the accident and write this down as well.
Get in Touch with Your Insurer
After you’ve done all of the above and you’re safe, contact your insurance agent and file a claim as soon as practicable. If you have to go to the hospital, your insurance company can pay some, most or even all of your hospital bills if you contact them in a timely manner.
Lawyer Up
There are lawyers who specialize not just in traffic accidents but in motorcycle accidents. You should contact one if the accident has caused injuries or significant damage to property. A personal injury lawyer can handle situations that you might not be capable of dealing with if you are hospitalized or need a long period of recuperation. This includes speaking with your insurance company, negotiating settlements and making sure your rights are secured.
Tell the Truth
Tell the truth as you perceive it to the authorities who are dealing with your accident. They include the police and your insurance company. Insurance companies, especially the insurance company of the other party if there is one, will almost certainly say your injuries and claims are exaggerated. You should also steer clear of social media when it comes to posting about your accident, for what you post can also be used against you.
Article Last Updated: March 11, 2025.
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