Motorcycle accidents can be overwhelming and chaotic, but the steps you take immediately afterward can make a major difference in your physical recovery and your ability to recover compensation later. Knowing what to do in the aftermath can help you protect your health, document what happened, and strengthen your legal claim.
Below, our Dallas motorcycle accident lawyers outline exactly what to do after a crash.
1. Prioritize Your Safety and Health
Your health should always come first. Check for injuries right away, both for yourself and anyone else involved. Even if you feel fine, remember that adrenaline can mask pain. Some injuries—like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft-tissue trauma—may not appear until hours later.
Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. Allow paramedics to examine you, and if recommended, go to the hospital for a more thorough evaluation. Getting immediate medical care not only protects your well-being but also creates crucial documentation for your injury claim.
2. Move to Safety (if You Can)
If you’re in a high-traffic area and it’s safe to move, get yourself and your motorcycle to the side of the road. Turn on hazard lights to warn other drivers. However, if you’re seriously injured or it’s unsafe to move, stay where you are until help arrives. Your safety comes first.
3. Call the Police and File a Report
A police report is one of the most important documents after a motorcycle accident. When officers arrive, give them an honest account of what happened—but stick to the facts. Avoid speculating or making statements like “I’m sorry,” which could later be used to suggest fault.
Once the report is filed, ask for the report number or a copy. This will help your attorney later when building your case.
4. Gather Information at the Scene
If you’re able, document everything:
- Take photos and videos of the scene from multiple angles
- Capture damage to your motorcycle and any vehicles involved
- Photograph your injuries, skid marks, and nearby road signs or hazards
Whenever possible, use your smartphone so that GPS data tags the exact location.
Also, collect information from everyone involved—including drivers, passengers, witnesses, and responding officers:
- Full names and contact info
- Driver’s license and insurance details
- Vehicle makes, models, and plate numbers
This evidence can make or break a personal injury case if disputes arise later.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company promptly, but be careful with what you say. Stick to the basic facts—date, time, and location of the crash. Don’t speculate about fault or your injuries. Your attorney can handle communications and negotiations with insurers on your behalf.
6. Avoid Admitting Fault
Even casual politeness can hurt your case. Avoid saying things like “I’m sorry,” even if you’re just being courteous. Insurance companies and opposing parties might interpret this as an admission of guilt. Let the investigation determine fault.
7. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
Motorcycle accident claims can get complicated fast. Between insurance adjusters, medical bills, and questions of liability, having an experienced Dallas motorcycle accident attorney on your side is critical.
Your lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident
- Collect and preserve evidence
- Handle communications with insurance companies
- Calculate the full value of your damages
- Fight for fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain, and suffering
At MR.LAW Accident & Injury Attorneys, we’ve spent over two decades standing up for injured riders and their families. We know how to build strong cases and aren’t afraid to take on powerful insurance companies.
Secure the Compensation You Deserve
Motorcycle accidents can change your life in an instant—but knowing what to do next can make all the difference. Prioritize your health, document everything, and reach out for experienced legal help as soon as possible.
Let our Dallas motorcycle accident lawyers help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Call (469) 689-0200 or contact us online for a free consultation.