What To Do After A Motorcycle Accident

A motorcycle accident isn't just another fender-bender. It’s the moment that changes everything! As riders, we know the road can be unforgiving, and when the unexpected happens, every decision matters.

"The crash itself isn't always the worst part. It's what happens in those first critical minutes afterward," says Patrick DiBenedetto, Partner at Metier Motorcycle Law and a fellow rider who's handled countless motorcycle cases. "The decisions you make in that first hour can determine whether you fully recover or face years of struggle."

Here's the hard truth: motorcyclists are 24 times more likely to die in crashes than people in cars, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The frustrating part of it: often these accidents aren't the rider’s fault. They're caused by distracted drivers who don't see us, don't respect us, or just don't care that we're sharing the road.

The decisions you make directly following a motorcycle accident can impact your future for years to come. If you’ve gone down, here is your roadmap on what steps to take next.

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Immediate Steps After Going Down

Get Yourself to Safety

• Move out of traffic if you can, but don't force it if you're hurt

• Keep your helmet and gear on until the paramedics check you out

• Take a moment to breathe and assess yourself, are you in pain? Can you move everything?

If you're badly hurt, stay put. We know it's hard when you're vulnerable in the road, but moving could make things worse.

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Call 911—No Exceptions

Even if you think it's minor, call them. Trust us on this one. Adrenaline is a hell of a drug, and it can mask serious injuries. You need medical professionals documenting everything, and you need that police report. Both are going to be crucial when you're fighting for the compensation you deserve.

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Document Everything You Can

• Photos of your bike, their vehicle, the scene, road conditions

• Pictures of any visible injuries (we know it's not pleasant, but do it)

• Get contact info from anyone who saw what happened

• Look for cameras; traffic cams, business security, even dashcams from other drivers

Use your phone to record your version of what happened while it's fresh. Memory fades fast, especially after trauma.

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Watch Your Words

When you're shaken up, you might want to apologize or try to make sense of what happened. Don't. Keep it simple and factual:

• Exchange licenses, plates, and insurance info

• Note anything the other driver says or does

• Don't admit fault, don't speculate, don't say you're "fine"

Insurance companies will twist anything you say against you later.

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Get Medical Attention—Period

Always let the EMTs check you out and follow up at urgent care or the ER. Some of the worst injuries - internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries - don't show up right away. Getting checked isn't just about your health (though that's priority one), it's also about protecting your legal rights.

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Why These Steps Matter for Your Legal Fight

Here's something every rider needs to understand: the moment your bike hits the pavement, insurance companies start working - but not for you. They're working to pay you as little as possible.

They'll try to:

• Rush you into a lowball settlement before you know how badly you're hurt

• Get you to give a recorded statement they can use against you

• Blame you for the crash, even when it's clearly not your fault

That's why your next call should be to a lawyer who gets it! Someone who understands not just the law, but what it means to be a rider.

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📞 Contact Metier Motorcycle Law at 833-4MOTO-LAW (833-466-8652) or schedule your free consultation at www.metierlaw.com. We ride, we understand, and we fight for riders.

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How a Motorcycle Lawyer Can Help You Fight Back

When someone takes you down on your bike, everything changes in an instant. A lawyer who understands motorcycle culture and crash dynamics can:

• Secure and preserve evidence before it disappears

• Handle the insurance circus while you focus on healing

• Fight for every dollar you deserve - medical bills, lost wages, bike damage, and compensation for your pain

• Take your case to court if that's what it takes

As Patrick DiBenedetto puts it, "Riders deserve respect on the road and in the legal system. We're here to make sure you get both."

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Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Case

Small mistakes can cost you big time. Don't make these errors:

• Talking to insurance adjusters without backup. They're not your friends

• Skipping medical care because you "feel fine"

• Missing follow-up appointments or physical therapy

• Posting about the crash on social media (seriously, don't)

• Taking the first settlement offer they throw at you

You get one shot at making this right. Don't blow it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to see a doctor if I feel okay after the crash?

Absolutely. Some of the worst injuries—brain trauma, internal bleeding—don't announce themselves right away. Get checked for your safety and your case.

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Can I still file a claim if I wasn't wearing a helmet?

Yes. Not wearing a helmet doesn't automatically kill your case, though it might affect certain aspects depending on your state's laws. Every situation is different.

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How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle lawyer?

With Metier Motorcycle Lawyers, we work on contingency. You don't pay unless we win. It costs nothing to get answers and find out where you stand.

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What's the deadline to file a claim?

Statutes of limitations vary by jurisdiction. But waiting hurts your case; evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and insurance companies get more aggressive.

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Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company?

Not without a Metier Motorcycle Lawyer in your corner first. Those adjusters are trained to get you to say things that hurt your case. Protect yourself.

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You Focus on Healing. We'll Handle the Fight.

Going down on your bike can leave you feeling isolated and overwhelmed. The road ahead might seem uncertain, but you don't have to ride it alone.

📞 Call Metier Motorcycle Lawyers now at 833-4MOTO-LAW (833-466-8652)

💻 Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at www.metierlaw.com

Let's get you back in control, today!

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Disclaimer: Past results discussed should not be considered a guarantee of your results as the factors of every case are individually unique.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney from Metier Motorcycle Lawyers regarding your individual situation for legal advice.

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