Been in a motorcycle crash? You’re not alone. The year 2022 saw 77,591 motorcycle injuries in the U.S., which means every day more than 212 riders were injured. The statistics represent real individuals who go through difficult recovery processes and face medical expenses as well as complicated legal issues.
Motorcycle accidents stand apart from regular car crashes because they operate under completely different conditions. Motorcycle accidents lead to more severe injuries while creating complex legal issues that result in extended recovery periods. The success or failure of your legal case depends on the quality of help you receive.
This clear guide explains the precise actions you must take following a motorcycle accident. This guide provides a step-by-step process from the moment of impact until your case is settled to ensure the protection of your health, your legal rights and your future wellbeing.
What You’ll Discover
- The essential actions you need to take right after experiencing a motorcycle crash
- Critical legal actions that protect your rights
- Understanding liability in motorcycle accidents
- How to recover maximum compensation
- Selecting the right motorcycle attorney
What You Need to Know First
Motorcycle accidents create a frightening and disorienting situation. The chaos of being sprawled on the pavement or handling post-accident consequences makes it difficult to maintain clear thinking. Understanding these steps beforehand ensures you’re prepared before any accident occurs.
Motorcycle riders encounter significant dangers when traveling on roads. Research indicates that motorcycle riders face a risk of death in crashes that is 22 times greater than people who drive cars. The majority of motorcycle riders remain unaware of essential initial steps that safeguard their legal rights.
Your post-crash actions are crucial as they profoundly affect your chances of obtaining compensation. From the first moment an accident occurs insurance companies begin to work against your interests.
The Johnson Attorneys Group in California has repeatedly observed motorcycle cases where basic errors during the initial 24 hours resulted in the loss of legitimate claims. Their legal expertise in motorcycle cases proves that following correct procedures becomes an essential element in safeguarding your rights.
Immediate Steps After a Motorcycle Crash
1. Safety First – Get to a Safe Location
A crash victim faces the highest danger during the initial seconds following the collision. If you’re able to move:
- Avoid further accidents by moving away from the active traffic lanes after the initial crash.
- Activate your hazard lights or utilize road flares when they’re accessible.
- Wait for medical professionals to arrive before taking off your helmet.
Remain motionless and wait for emergency assistance if your injuries prevent you from moving.
2. Call 911 Immediately
Contact 911 immediately after an accident regardless of how minor injuries appear. Here’s why:
- Many serious injuries aren’t immediately obvious
- Police documentation of the scene produces an official record.
- Medical responders can provide critical immediate care
3. Document Everything at the Scene
At an accident scene your phone serves as your most essential and powerful tool to help manage the situation. If you’re physically able:
- Capture images of each vehicle from several different perspectives.
- Photograph the road surface along with skid marks and any traffic signals present.
- Get pictures of your injuries before treatment
- Record witness statements if possible
Evidence disappears quickly after accidents. The better your documentation at the scene will be your case’s strength later on.
4. Exchange Information Properly
You need specific information from everyone involved:
- Names and contact details of all drivers
- Driver’s license numbers and insurance information
- License plate numbers and vehicle descriptions
- Contact information for any witnesses
Use caution when speaking during information exchange with others. Avoid admitting fault or saying things like “I’m sorry” because they may be used against you in later proceedings.
5. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Immediate medical evaluation from professionals is necessary even when you believe you are “fine.”
The human body releases adrenaline during accidents which hides potential serious injuries so medical evaluations performed immediately after an incident produce strong evidence for legal purposes.
Critical Legal Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
1. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company about the accident promptly but exercise caution during your communication.
- Provide only fundamental details regarding the accident timing and location
- Don’t provide recorded statements without legal advice
- Don’t accept quick settlement offers
Insurance companies often exploit preliminary statements to reduce your future claim amount. Motorcycle accident victims should exercise extra caution in states like Texas which saw 564 motorcycle fatalities in 2022 because insurers aggressively combat motorcycle claims there.
2. Document Your Recovery Process
Your recovery path post-accident provides vital evidence for your case.
- Record every day your pain levels and functional restrictions.
- Record the healing process of visible injuries by taking photographs.
- Save all medical records, prescriptions, and receipts
- Maintain records of all work days missed and the activities you were unable to perform.
3. Consult with a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Numerous motorcyclists wrongly choose to manage their claims on their own. Here’s why that’s dangerous:
- Motorcycle accidents often involve complex liability issues
- Insurance companies routinely undervalue motorcycle injuries
- Injuries from motorcycle crashes typically reach catastrophic levels which demand specialized damage evaluations.
A seasoned motorcycle accident attorney possesses the expertise to effectively challenge the prevalent negative bias towards riders. Legal professionals recognize that speeding was a factor in almost half of fatal motorcycle crashes while approximately 45% of these incidents involved drivers who were impaired by alcohol in states such as Texas.
4. Be Cautious About Social Media
Anything you share on social media platforms has the potential to harm your legal case.
- Avoid posting anything about the accident
- Avoid posting pictures of yourself during your recovery or while you’re active.
- Maintain privacy settings on all your social media accounts throughout the duration of your case.
Insurance firms continuously track social media profiles to gather proof they can present against claimants.
Understanding Liability in Motorcycle Accidents
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Determining the causes behind motorcycle accidents enables you to establish liability for your case.
- Motorcycles are at risk when vehicles making left turns don’t yield to them.
- Hazardous road surfaces such as potholes and loose gravel create dangerous conditions for riders.
- Distracted driving (texting, phone use)
- Blind spot negligence by other drivers
- Sudden lane changes without signaling
The number of fatal motorcycle accidents at intersections has risen sharply as drivers often miss motorcycles while turning or changing lanes.
Types of Damages Available
Motorcycle accident victims can seek compensation through multiple available avenues.
Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and income
- Property damage and rehabilitation costs
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
The intensity of injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents usually results in higher compensation compared to standard car accident cases. The 25% rise in fatal motorcycle accidents between 2013 and 2022 has led courts to acknowledge the devastating consequences these incidents impose on victims.
The Road to Recovery
Motorcycle accidents have the power to dramatically alter your life in just one moment. Motorcycles represent just 3% of registered vehicles but they make up 15% of all traffic fatalities which makes this issue incredibly important. Immediate actions taken after an accident and subsequent steps determine both your physical recovery and financial outcomes.
Remember these key points:
- Begin recording all details starting at the accident moment
- Get medical attention right away even if you feel okay
- Maintain a high level of attention during all conversations with insurance companies.
- Search for a lawyer who has expertise in motorcycle law
- Concentrate on healing while experts manage your legal matters.
