Right after a motorcycle crash, people usually ask the same question in different ways: “Where do I go?” Sometimes they mean physically, like which hospital. Sometimes they mean what steps come next, because their head is spinning and they’re not sure what matters.
I’ll walk you through it like I would if you called my office, but without the legal overload.
First, go somewhere safe and get checked, even if you “feel fine”
If you can move, get yourself out of traffic. Bikes and bodies don’t do well on the shoulder when cars are still flying by.
Then, get medical care. In many cases, the right answer is:
- Emergency room (ER) if you hit your head, lost consciousness, feel confused, have chest pain, heavy bleeding, obvious fractures, severe back or neck pain, or numbness/tingling.
- Urgent care if it feels more “moderate” but still concerning, like deep road rash, swelling, pain that’s increasing, or you can’t put weight on a limb.
- Your primary care provider if it’s minor and you can get in quickly, but don’t delay if symptoms are new or worsening.
And yes, I’m going to say it: riders often underestimate injuries because adrenaline is doing its job. You might feel “okay” for a few hours, then wake up the next day feeling like you got hit by a truck. That’s common.
Go to the police report next, if you can’t do it at the scene
If law enforcement responded, good. Make sure there’s an official crash report. If police did not respond and your area allows later reporting, you may need to file a report yourself within a short window.
Why it matters: when stories change later, the report becomes one of the few neutral documents created close to the event. It’s not perfect, but it’s important.
Go home, but start a “crash folder” immediately
This is not about being dramatic. It’s about being organized while your memory is still fresh.
In a notes app or folder, save:
- Photos of the scene, your bike, your gear, and your injuries (take a few over the next several days too)
- Names and contact info of witnesses
- The other driver’s insurance and vehicle details
- All receipts: towing, meds, bandages, replacement gear
- Work notes: missed days, reduced hours, light-duty restrictions
A tiny detail today can become a big detail later.
Go to your insurance policy, but don’t rush into a recorded statement
You usually need to notify insurance quickly. Do that. But be careful with recorded statements, especially when you’re still medicated, in pain, or not fully sure what happened.
It’s okay to say: “I’m still getting medical treatment and I’m not ready to give a detailed recorded statement yet.” That’s not evasive. That’s smart.
Also, avoid guessing. Guessing turns into “inconsistencies” later.
Go back to medical care if symptoms evolve
Motorcycle accidents commonly involve injuries that develop over time:
- Concussions and other head injuries
- Neck and back strains
- Wrist, shoulder, and knee injuries
- Deep bruising and soft tissue damage
- Road rash that can get infected
If something feels off, go back. From a legal perspective, consistent treatment also helps show the injury is real and ongoing. But more importantly, you don’t want to “tough it out” and make recovery harder.
Go talk to a lawyer when any of these are true
Not every crash needs a lawyer. But it’s worth a consultation if:
- You were taken by ambulance or went to the ER
- You have fractures, head injury symptoms, or lasting pain
- The other driver is denying fault or blaming you
- Insurance is pressuring you to settle quickly
- You’re missing work or can’t ride/drive
- There’s major bike damage or destroyed gear
A good lawyer’s job is to help you protect the claim while you focus on healing. That includes evidence, timelines, paperwork, and communication with insurance.
One last place to go: slower
This part is not legal advice, just human advice. Motorcycle crashes can rattle people. Sleep gets weird. Anxiety kicks in. You replay it in your head. If that’s happening, talk to someone you trust or a professional. It’s more normal than most riders admit.
If you’re injured after a motorcycle accident, start with medical care and safety, then build your paper trail, then get guidance before you sign anything. That order saves people a lot of regret later.
This post was written by a professional at Jeanette Secor, PA Attorney At Law.
For over 20 years, the law office of Jeanette Secor, PA in St. Petersburg, FL, has been the go-to choice for those seeking justice after an injury. Renowned as personal injury lawyer slip and fall St Petersburg FL, Jeanette Secor has a proven track record of successfully representing clients in car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and slip-and-fall incidents.
