Motorcycle Accident FAQs

• May 10, 2022
• Motorcycles

Accidents happen, and while motorcyclists sometimes share responsibility, many crashes result from the negligence of other drivers. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, understanding your rights and knowing what steps to take next is crucial.

Motorcycle Accidents: Basics You Need to Know

What should you do if you are involved in an accident while riding a motorcycle?

First and foremost, do not admit any fault or sign anything. These statements can potentially be used against you. However, take notes and collect information throughout the process.

• Remain clear, concise, and factual when speaking about the accident. Stick to the facts and do not make a formal statement until you have spoken to a personal injury attorney.
• Call emergency services to report the crash and ensure safety at the scene.
• Get medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor.
• Move your motorcycle, if possible, to ensure it is not blocking traffic or posing a hazard to others.
• Exchange information. Collect the name, contact information, and insurance information from other drivers and passengers involved. Do not forget to do this for witnesses.
• Do not leave the scene of the accident until you have exchanged information with the other drivers involved.
• Notify your insurance company. DO NOT speak to the insurance company of other drivers involved. Your attorney will take care of this communication.
• Document the accident. Take photos of any injuries or damage to your motorcycle, the other vehicles involved, and the surrounding area.
• Keep records, which include copies of your medical records and bills, and record any expenses related to the accident.

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What are common types of motorcycle accidents?

Some of the most frequent motorcycle crashes involve a car turning left into an oncoming motorcyclist. Left-turn accidents often happen when drivers:

• misjudge the motorcyclist’s speed or distance
• fail to see the motorcyclist in their blind spot
• panic and stop abruptly, blocking the motorcycle’s path

Other negligent acts that can result in an accident include:

• swerving in front of a cyclist
• cutting off a motorcyclist at an intersection
• unsafe lane changes
• failing to yield when appropriate
• failing to leave sufficient room between vehicles
• failure to see a motorcyclist changing or entering the lane
• opening a car door in the path of a motorcyclist

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What are common injuries from a motorcycle accident?

Motorcyclists do not have the protection that someone in a car or truck would have, so injuries can be extremely serious, including:

• Severe head trauma/brain damage
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck injuries
• Bone fractures
• Loss of limbs
• Disfigurement
• Paralysis

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Who is at fault for a motorcycle accident caused by someone turning left in front of the cyclist? 

• In most cases, the turning car is liable for the accident.
• Exceptions may apply if the motorcyclist was speeding or ran a red light—an attorney can assess fault.

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What if the motorcyclist wasn’t wearing a helmet?

• While helmet laws vary by state, failure to wear a helmet does not prevent you from seeking compensation if another driver caused the crash.
• However, your damages may be reduced if it can be proven that the lack of a helmet contributed to your injuries.

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Do I need a lawyer when involved in a motorcycle accident?

Yes! Hiring an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help protect your rights and maximize your compensation. A motorcycle accident often leads to serious financial and physical consequences—getting legal representation early can make all the difference.

Contacting an attorney immediately can increase your chances of recovering maximum compensation for your injuries.

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Are there things you should NOT do after an accident?

• DO NOT sign anything without legal advice
• DO NOT underestimate your injuries – some symptoms may not appear immediately
• DO NOT let the insurance company record statements
• DO NOT be swayed by anything the at-fault driver’s insurance company recommends or asks you to do
• DO NOT accept any offers from the at-fault driver’s insurer without speaking to a lawyer

More questions? Call us at (877) 284-6600, Chat Online, or use our Text Us widget.

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How can an attorney help me after a motorcycle accident?

Motorcycle crashes often happen because drivers fail to see the rider or drive recklessly. A personal injury attorney will thoroughly investigate your case, looking at evidence showing how the motorist may have been negligent, such as:

• Eyewitness and police reports
• Skid marks and scene evidence
• Accident reconstruction
• Traffic law violations

Motorcycle accidents can cause numerous injuries and leave you with permanent disabilities or chronic pain. Soft tissue injuries can sometimes take weeks to show up. The at-fault driver may dispute your claim and fight back.

An experienced personal injury attorney knows how to investigate your claim, knows not to settle too early, and knows what to expect from the defendant and their insurance companies. They can advise you on your legal rights and legal options.

A lawyer will help you initiate your case, plus:

• Communicate with insurance companies
• Collect evidence
• Speak to eyewitnesses
• Negotiate with the defense
• Prepare your case for trial

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How long will it take to settle a motorcycle accident claim?

Every accident is different. There is no set amount of time in which it will be completed. It often takes months to reach a settlement and can take longer if your case goes to trial. The amount your claim is worth will depend on the severity of the injuries and the time it takes for the injured person to recover completely. Your attorney can give you a better idea once they know more about your situation.

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What compensation might you be entitled to?

• Medical Expenses. Severe motorcycle accidents can result in devastating injuries such as a traumatic brain injury, which is an expensive injury to treat; surgeries, extended hospital stays, and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages cover the time you need to take off work to recover and attend doctor’s appointments, or even should you become unable to do any paying work at all.
• Pain and suffering include physical and mental pain and anguish caused by the accident.

Motorcycle accidents typically result in serious, sometimes life-threatening, injuries. They can affect the head, spine, and lower extremities, and leave you partially or permanently disabled. Your lawyer can give you a better idea once they know more about your situation.

Motorcycle accidents can cause permanent disabilities. A lawyer can help assess your full financial needs.

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DO YOU NEED A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER?

If your motorcycle accident was due to the negligence of another driver or motorist, product failure, or highway defect, you should talk with an attorney familiar with personal injuries. He or she can help you recover compensation for accident-related injuries, including lost wages.

Serious injuries occur in motorcycle accidents, some of which may not show up until weeks after an accident occurs.

These injuries can be life-altering and a financial drain. Consult an experienced personal injury lawyer to negotiate a financial settlement on your behalf

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CONTACT US FOR A FREE CASE EVALUATION

If you have been seriously injured or lost a family member in a motorcycle accident due to another’s negligence, contact the experienced attorneys at Nash & Franciskato at (877) 284-6600 for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your case.

Having an attorney who is your advocate can offer you peace of mind during your recovery.

➜ Schedule a Free Case Evaluation Today.

☎ Call (877) 284-6600 for a free, no-obligation review of your case.

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• Read related blog articles: Personal Injury and Motorcycle Accidents

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Past results afford no guarantee of future results, and each case is different and is judged on its own merits. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements.

Editor’s Note: This page was originally published May 10, 2022. It was reviewed for content and accuracy on May 2, 2024, and again on May 5, 2025, and re-published.