What should I do after a motorcycle crash?

After the crash, get out of an active traffic lane to a safe location if you are able to do so. Check yourself for injury. If you’re seriously hurt, call an ambulance or have someone else summon emergency medical services to the scene right away.

If you are not severely injured, contact law enforcement and remain at the scene. Police can help manage the scene of the crash and help injured individuals get medical attention. They will investigate the crash. They may cite a driver whose actions caused the accident.

You will want to get the name, driver’s license number, and license plate number of the other parties involved, as well as their insurance information. When there are other people who happened to see the accident, ask them for their names and phone numbers in case they are needed as witnesses.

Be sure to take as many pictures of the accident scene as possible, including the position of your motorcycle and of the other vehicle involved, any skid marks or other conditions at the scene, and anything else that might be useful as evidence if you have to file an injury claim.

If you are contacted by another driver’s insurance company, decline to speak to insurance company representatives for the other party until you have consulted a personal injury attorney to look out for your interests.