Motorcycle accidents can be overwhelming and traumatic experiences. In the chaos that follows a crash, knowing exactly what steps to take can protect both your health and legal rights. With motorcyclists being particularly vulnerable on the road—over 6,000 riders died in U.S. crashes in 2022 alone and more than 218,000 were treated for injuries according to the CDC—taking proper action immediately after a motorcycle accident is crucial.

At Podor Law, our team brings over 40 years of combined experience handling motorcycle accident cases. We’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the critical hours and days following a motorcycle accident. Whether you’re in Ohio or Florida, these 7 crucial steps will help ensure your safety, document important evidence, and protect your rights to fair compensation.

Remember, the actions you take immediately after an accident can significantly impact your physical recovery and any future insurance claims or legal proceedings. Let’s walk through the essential steps you need to take after being involved in a motorcycle accident.

7 Crucial Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident

1. Ensure Safety First

Your immediate priority after a motorcycle accident is safety—yours and others involved. Stay at the accident scene—leaving an accident involving injury or property damage is illegal in both Ohio and Florida, with severe penalties. If you can move safely, get to a secure location away from traffic. If not, stay where you are to avoid worsening potential injuries. If it’s safe to do so and your motorcycle is creating a hazard, try to move your motorcycle to the side of the road.

2. Call 911 to Report the Accident

If anyone is hurt or there’s significant damage in the motorcycle crash, contact the police to report the accident right away to get police and emergency medical services to the crash scene. In Ohio, drivers are required by law to notify authorities (state highway patrol, sheriff, or local police) after an accident. Florida law similarly expects you to report the accident, especially if there are injuries. A detailed police report will be essential for your motorcycle accident claim.

3. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you believe you’re “fine,” it’s essential to seek medical treatment as soon as possible—ideally the same day of the accident. Motorcycle crashes frequently cause serious injuries, and some symptoms may not appear until hours or days following a motorcycle accident due to the body’s shock response and adrenaline. Any motorcyclist who has been seriously injured should be transported to the hospital immediately.

4. Document the Accident Scene

If you’re not severely injured, use your phone to take photos of the accident scene from multiple angles. Document the crash site thoroughly by capturing:

Your motorcycle and other vehicles’ damage from the collision
Skid marks and road conditions that may have contributed to the accident
Traffic signs or signals nearby
The overall scene layout
Any visible accident injuries

These photos can serve as crucial evidence later when you make a claim. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends gathering as much information as possible about the crash scene.

5. Exchange Contact Information

After ensuring everyone’s safety, exchange contact information with other parties involved in the accident. Get:

Names, phone numbers, and addresses
Driver’s license numbers
License plate numbers
Insurance company names and policy numbers

Also try to obtain names and contact information from any witnesses at the accident scene, as they might leave before the police report is filed.

6. Report the Accident to Insurance

Notify your insurance company promptly about the motorcycle accident. This starts the claims process for your insurance claims and helps you access coverages you’ve paid for. When dealing with insurance companies:

Have basic information ready about how the accident occurred
Stick to the facts without speculating or admit fault
Get a claim number and your adjuster’s contact information

Remember that motorcycle accident victims often face challenges with insurance claims, as insurance companies may try to minimize your compensation.

7. Consult an Attorney

If you were injured in a motorcycle accident where another car or truck was at fault for the accident, it’s often wise to consult with a personal injury attorney. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you understand your rights as a motorcycle accident victim and navigate the complex legal process. Personal injury law firms like Podor Law specialize in helping injured motorcyclists receive the accident compensation they deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries and Medical Considerations

Because motorcycle riders have minimal protection, accident injuries can range from head to toe:

Head and brain injuries: Concussions or traumatic brain injuries are major concerns, especially if you hit your head or if your helmet was damaged. Watch for headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, or blurry vision after the accident.
Neck and spine injuries: Whiplash is common even in moderate motorcycle accidents and might cause neck stiffness and pain a day or two later. More severe spinal injuries could cause tingling, numbness, or weakness in limbs.
Broken bones and fractures: Many motorcycle accident victims suffer broken legs, arms, wrists, ribs, and collarbones when thrown or pinned in a collision. About 30% of non-fatal motorcycle accident injuries affect the legs or feet.
Road rash and skin injuries: Sliding across pavement can cause painful scrapes ranging from mild to severe, sometimes requiring skin grafts. These are among the most common causes of motorcycle accidents requiring medical attention.
Internal injuries: The force of a motorcycle crash can injure internal organs even without visible wounds. Abdominal pain or swelling after an accident is a red flag—it could signal internal bleeding.

It’s crucial for anyone involved in a motorcycle accident to get checked by medical professionals even if you feel fine at the scene. The shock and adrenaline of an accident can temporarily block pain. Studies show symptoms are often delayed—pain and stiffness might not appear until the following day, making it critical to understand the full extent of your injuries.

Legal Considerations After a Motorcycle Accident

Understanding your legal rights is crucial in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident. Here’s what you need to know about police interactions, accident laws, and when to hire a lawyer:

Interacting with Police

Remain calm and cooperative when officers arrive at the crash site. Provide your identification, registration, and proof of insurance as requested—this is required by law. File a police report with complete and accurate information, as this document will be essential for your personal injury claims.

Remember, do not admit fault at the accident scene. The Ohio crash guidance explicitly says to “answer the investigating officer’s questions, but do not discuss the crash with others” aside from exchanging necessary information.

Rights of Accident Victims

If another motor vehicle caused the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical expenses: All necessary treatment costs for accident injuries
Property damage: Cost to repair or replace your motorcycle
Lost wages: Income lost due to missed work from being injured in the accident
Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life

Both Ohio and Florida allow injured parties to seek these damages from the at-fault driver, but be aware of state-specific accident laws that can affect your claim:

Comparative fault rules: Both states follow comparative negligence principles. If you were partially at fault, compensation for your injuries may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Florida recently changed to a “modified” comparative fault system, where if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages.
No-fault insurance (Florida): Florida is a “no-fault” state for car insurance, but no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage does not apply to motorcycles according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. As a motorcyclist in Florida, you rely on the at-fault driver’s liability insurance or your own health insurance for injury coverage.

When to Consult an Attorney

Consider consulting with a motorcycle accident lawyer after a serious motorcycle accident—especially before giving detailed statements to the other party’s insurance. Contact an injury attorney ASAP if:

You were seriously injured requiring medical treatment
Fault is unclear or disputed
The other driver’s insurance is pressuring you for a statement or quick settlement
Multiple vehicles were involved in the accident
A loved one was severely injured or killed in the accident

An experienced attorney can help gather evidence to prove who caused the accident, explain your rights, and handle communications with insurance companies. A personal injury law firm will also be familiar with important legal deadlines—both Ohio and Florida have a 2-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims.

Most injury attorneys offer free consultations, so it costs nothing to get professional advice on your accident case. Even if you’re unsure about pursuing legal action, an attorney can negotiate a fair settlement with insurers for the compensation you deserve.

Insurance Claims After a Motorcycle Accident

Navigating insurance claims after a motorcycle accident can be complex. Here’s how to handle the process effectively in the aftermath of a motorcycle accident:

Notify Your Insurance Promptly

Report the accident to your motorcycle insurance company as soon as possible, even if the motorcycle crash wasn’t your fault. This starts the claims process and helps you access coverages you’ve paid for. The Ohio accident guidelines specifically list “Notify your insurance company as soon as possible” as a final step.

When you call:

Have basic information ready about how the crash occurred
Stick to the facts without speculating
Get a claim number and your adjuster’s contact information

Understand Coverage Types

For motorcycle accidents in Florida and Ohio, be aware that:

Florida’s no-fault (PIP) coverage typically does NOT apply to motorcycles according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. This means your medical bills will need to be covered by other means.
Property damage claims cover repairing or replacing your motorcycle after a collision. If the other driver was at fault, you can file against their insurance.
Injury claims will usually be through the at-fault driver’s Bodily Injury Liability coverage.

Be Cautious with Insurance Companies

If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you:

Be careful about giving recorded statements without consulting your insurer or an experienced motorcycle accident attorney
Don’t downplay your accident injuries or accept blame
Stick to factual information about what happened
Don’t rush to settle until you know the full extent of your injuries

Taking these steps will help ensure you receive fair compensation for all damages from your motorcycle accident.

Recovery Following a Motorcycle Accident

Healing from a motorcycle accident takes time—physically, emotionally, and financially. Here’s how to manage your long-term recovery:

Follow Medical Advice Completely

Attend all follow-up appointments with doctors or specialists. Complete any prescribed physical therapy or rehabilitation. Taking these steps not only improves your health outcome but also documents your injuries properly for any claims. Diligent treatment leads to better recovery, while skipping appointments can undermine an insurance claim.

Continue Documenting Your Recovery

Keep tracking your symptoms, progress, and setbacks even after the initial period following a motorcycle accident. Note how injuries affect your daily activities and work. If new symptoms develop weeks later, inform your doctor promptly so it’s documented.

Manage Work and Obligations

If your accident injuries force you to miss work, communicate with your employer about sick leave or disability benefits. Keep records of all lost wages and get documentation from your doctor about work restrictions. This helps support claims for compensation.

Address Emotional Recovery

It’s common to experience anxiety, depression, or PTSD after being involved in a motorcycle accident. Seeking counseling or therapy is an important part of recovery, especially for motorcycle accident victims with serious injuries.

How Podor Law Can Help After Your Motorcycle Accident

Navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming when you’re trying to heal from injuries. At Podor Law, we understand the unique challenges motorcycle accident victims face in Ohio and Florida. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys have helped countless riders secure the compensation they deserve.

Kenny Podor is a member of the National Association of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers (NAMIL) and is one of the few attorneys representing motorcycle accident victims who belongs to the American Riders Association. This specialized experience and dedication to the motorcycle community means you’ll have an advocate who truly understands the unique aspects of motorcycle accident cases.

Our personal injury law firm handles all aspects of your motorcycle accident case—from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Don’t face this difficult time alone. Call Podor Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation about your motorcycle accident case. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide the guidance you need during this challenging time. Contact us or call us directly to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.

Remember, there are time limits for filing injury claims, so don’t delay. Contact us today to protect your rights and start your journey to recovery.

Sources

Florida Driver License Handbook – Emergency Procedures (Florida DHSMV, 2023) – https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/handbooks/englishdriverhandbook.pdf
Florida Driver License Handbook – Crash Reporting and First Aid (Florida DHSMV, 2023) – https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/handbooks/englishdriverhandbook.pdf
Ohio Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws – What to Do in Case of a Crash (Ohio BMV) – https://stidhamreconstruction.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Ohio-Driver-Manual.pdf
Ohio Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws – Exchange of Information (Ohio BMV) – https://stidhamreconstruction.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Ohio-Driver-Manual.pdf
Ohio Digest of Motor Vehicle Laws – Notify Insurance (Ohio BMV) – https://stidhamreconstruction.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Ohio-Driver-Manual.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Motorcycle Safety Facts (2024) – https://www.cdc.gov/pedestrian-bike-safety/about/motorcycle-safety.html
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – Fatality Facts State by State (2022 data) – https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/state-by-state
Portland Urgent Care – Physical Aftermath of Car Accidents (Dr. M. Hosko, 2024) – https://www.portlandurgentcare.com/blog/what-to-expect-physically-after-a-car-accident
CDC Injury Center – Key Motorcycle Injury Statistics (CDC, 2024) – https://www.cdc.gov/pedestrian-bike-safety/about/motorcycle-safety.html
Florida Highway Safety – Insurance Requirements (FLHSMV) – https://www.flhsmv.gov/insurance/
Insurance Research Council – Uninsured Motorists by State (Florida & Ohio rates) – https://www.iii.org/table-archive/20641

Florida Senate Bill 837 Summary (2023) – Negligence Law Changes – https://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/billsummaries/2023/html/2949