What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash: Steps to Stay Safe and Legal
Published by Lloyd Castle in Motorcycle Safety & Risk Management · 21 November 2024
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident: Steps to Stay Safe and Legal.
No rider ever wants to think about crashing, but the reality is that motorcycle "accidents" can happen to anyone—no matter how skilled or cautious you are. What you do in the moments after a crash can make a huge difference in your safety, legal protection, and financial recovery.
Whether it’s a minor spill or a serious collision, knowing the right steps to take can prevent further injury, protect your rights, and ensure you handle the situation properly. Here’s what you need to do if you ever find yourself in a motorcycle "accident".
I have deliberately placed the word "accident" in quotation marks for the following reason. The word "ACCIDENT" implies some unforseeable or unavoidable event, which is simply beyond our control, This allows us to absolve ourselves of the role we played in creating the outcome. No-one is to blame and no-one is responsible because it is simply an "ACCIDENT." The correct term to use is CRASH or COLLISION as neither word arises out of anything accidental. For a Crash or Collision to occur someone either did something they were not allowed to do or they didn't do something they were required to do. The outcome of that act or omission resulted in the incident and someone is both responsible and accountable for the result.
Prioritize Your Safety First
The first few seconds after an accident are critical. Your adrenaline will be pumping, which can mask pain and injuries.
Stay calm and focus on your safety first.
- Check yourself for injuries. Can you move? Are you bleeding? Even if you feel “okay,” internal injuries can be deceptive.
- Get out of harm’s way. If you’re in traffic and able to move, get to a safe location (the side of the road, sidewalk, or a safe distance from other vehicles).
- Keep your eyes on approaching traffic.
- Turn off your motorcycle. If it’s still running, shut it off to prevent fuel leaks or fire.
If you are seriously injured, try not to move unnecessarily—wait for emergency responders.
Check on Others Involved
If you are able, assess the condition of others:
- Check if other riders, passengers, or drivers are injured.
- Do not move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger. Moving someone with a spinal injury can make things worse.
- Call emergency services immediately if anyone is injured or if the collision is serious.
Even if injuries seem minor, call for medical help—some injuries (like concussions or internal bleeding) don’t show symptoms immediately. Get checked out.
Call Police Services (Even for Minor Accidents)
It’s always a good idea to involve Police in a motorcycle accident, even if it seems minor. A police report provides official documentation, which can protect you legally and help with insurance claims later.
What to say when calling Emergency Services:
- Your location (Suburb, street name, kilometre marker, or nearest landmark or cross road).
- The number of people/vehicles involved and any injuries.
- A brief description of what happened.
In some areas, police may not respond to minor crashes if there are no injuries—if that’s the case, you may need to file a report yourself later.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you’re physically able, start collecting information. This will protect you in case of legal disputes or insurance issues.
Take photos of:
- Your motorcycle and any damage.
- Other vehicles involved (including license plates).
- The accident scene (road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, weather )- from as many approaches as you can.
- Any visible injuries.
Exchange information with others involved:
- Name and contact info.
- Driver’s license number.
- Insurance details.
- Vehicle make, model, and registration plate number.
Do NOT admit fault at the scene. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you later. Simply Stick to the facts.
Get Witness Information
If anyone saw the accident, get their:
- Name and contact information.
- A brief statement (or ask if they’re willing to talk to the police).
Independant Witnesses can be crucial if fault is disputed—don’t assume the other driver will be honest.
Seek Medical Attention ASAP
Even if you feel fine, get checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions, whiplash, or internal damage, may not show symptoms for hours or even days.
Why medical attention is important:
- Protects your health.
- Provides medical documentation for insurance/legal claims.
- Helps prove injuries were caused by the collision (not something else).
Skipping a medical exam could hurt your insurance claim later—always get checked out.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance
Most motorcycle insurance policies require you to report an accident within a certain timeframe.
When calling your insurance company:
- Stick to the facts—don’t admit fault or speculate.
- Provide the police report number (if available).
- Give them the other driver’s details and any photos you took.
If the collision was serious or fault is unclear, consider speaking with an attorney before giving a recorded statement to the insurance company.
Follow Up on Your Legal Rights
If you were injured or the collision involved significant damage, you may need legal advice.
An Attorney can help if:
- The insurance company tries to deny or minimize your claim.
- The other driver was at fault but disputes responsibility.
- You have expensive medical bills, lost wages, or long-term injuries.
Insurance companies don’t always have your best interest in mind. If things get complicated, having legal representation can protect your rights.
Inspect Your Motorcycle Before Riding Again
If your bike was damaged, do not ride it until it has been properly inspected. Even if it looks okay, hidden damage can be dangerous.
Check for:
- Frame or fork damage.
- Leaks (oil, coolant, brake fluid).
- Brake function.
- Handlebar and wheel alignment.
Have a professional mechanic inspect it if you’re unsure.
Learn from the Incident and Move Forward
Once the dust settles, take some time to analyze what happened.
Ask yourself:
- Could anything have been done differently to prevent it?
- What did I do wrong?
- Were there road hazards or visibility issues?
- How can I improve my riding skills or awareness?
If needed, consider an advanced riding course to improve your reaction skills and confidence.
Always Be Prepared Before a Collision Happens
You can’t always prevent a collision, but being prepared can make handling one safer, easier, and less stressful.
Before you ride, make sure you have:
- Someone who knows where you are heading and when you expect to be back.
- A fully charged phone for emergencies.
- Updated insurance and registration info.
- Basic first-aid knowledge.
- A plan for what to do if the worst happens.
Motorcycle crashes are scary, but knowing what to do can protect your health, legal rights, and financial well-being. Stay sharp, ride safe, and always be prepared.
See you on the road—but hopefully not by accident!
Regards
Lloyd