Motorcycle Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I am involved in a motorcycle accident, what should I do?

First: Call the police.
Second: Seek medical attention immediately.
Third: If you are unable to wait for the police or you are unable to get information about the other driver (name, address, contact information), ask someone to gather this information for you.
Fourth:  Listen carefully to what the other driver says about the accident. Listen and record any admissions of fault at the scene and ask him/her to repeat these statements of negligence before the investigating police officer.
Fifth: If you must report the accident from a hospital or have someone else do it because you’re too seriously injured, report the motorcycle accident on your behalf, ensure all the available information about how the accident occurred and the fault of the other driver is relayed to the police as soon after the incident as possible. Do not let the uninjured driver of the car that caused your motorcycle accident tell the police that your injuries were somehow your own fault because you are unavailable at the scene to be interviewed.

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Q: If I'm able, what type of information should I try to get from the other driver after a motorcycle accident?

A: Get as much applicable information from the driver and any occupants as possible, including:

1. Personal Information - Date of birth, full name, address, telephone number
2. Insurance - Policy name and number, expiration date
3. Vehicle Info - Make, model, year, registered owner, license plate number and state, license plate expiration date
4. Driver License - number, expiration date, state

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Q: What if there were witnesses to the accident?

A: Identify and get names of any witnesses to the motorcycle accident who may have remained on scene. But stay put until after authorities have arrived and tell you it's okay to leave or get medical treatment. Do not go chasing after a witness who may leave the scene before authorities arrive.

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Q: What if I can't remember what happened?

A: Unless your injuries prevent it, write down all you can remember about the accident as quickly as possible. For this reason, it's good to keep a pencil and paper handy. If you have a camera, take as many pictures as possible of the accident scene and the vehicles involved from different angles.

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Q: What types of details should I be looking for and writing down?

A: Jot down notes about the accident scene, including weather conditions, the speed limit, how fast you were driving, if there was ongoing road construction, if the traffic patterns had recently changed and any other helpful information regarding objects, people and activity around the accident site.

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Q: How should I interact with authorities at the scene of a motorcycle accident?

A: First of all, BE HONEST. When law enforcement officers arrive on scene, get their names and badge numbers. Get statements from them about what they observed.

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Q: Why do I need a lawyer after I've been involved in a motorcycle accident?

A: If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident, you need a lawyer:

1. to protect your rights
2. to make sure you get the medical treatment you may need even if you cannot pay for it up-front
3. to help you file the related property damage claim
4. to negotiate with insurance carriers to make sure you get the amount of compensation that you will need to pick up the pieces and get your life back on track as quickly as possible.