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Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries because riders lack the physical protection of an enclosed vehicle. Unique legal challenges — including bias against motorcyclists — make documentation and prompt action especially important.

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This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Availability varies by state and case type.

8

Immediate steps

25

Evidence items

Common injuries

Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Injuries, Broken Bones +2 more

Common Causes

Left-Turn Collisions

The most common type of motorcycle accident — a car turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle at an intersection or driveway.

Lane Change Accidents

Motorcycles are easily missed in blind spots. Drivers changing lanes without checking are a leading cause of serious motorcycle collisions.

Rear-End Collisions

Motorcycles stop faster than cars but are more vulnerable when struck from behind. Following-too-close drivers pose a significant risk.

Distracted Driving

Drivers using phones or otherwise distracted are less likely to notice motorcycles, particularly at intersections and on highways.

Road Hazards

Gravel, potholes, oil slicks, and uneven pavement that are minor nuisances to cars can cause a motorcyclist to lose control.

Speeding

Both driver and rider speeding reduce reaction time. High-speed motorcycle crashes carry a high risk of catastrophic injury.

DUI / Impairment

Impaired drivers have reduced ability to detect motorcycles and respond in time, making them disproportionately involved in fatal motorcycle crashes.

Likely Injuries

These types of accidents are frequently associated with the following injuries. Select an injury to learn more.

Traumatic Brain InjurySpinal InjuriesBroken BonesRoad Rash / Soft TissueInternal Injuries

What To Do Immediately

  1. 1

    Call 911

    Critical

    Motorcycle accidents frequently result in serious injury. Call 911 even if you feel okay — many serious injuries have delayed symptoms.

  2. 2

    Stay at the scene and stay calm

    Critical

    Do not remove your helmet unless there is an immediate airway obstruction and a trained person is present. Stay still if you feel neck or back pain.

  3. 3

    Document everything before the scene is cleared

    Critical

    Photograph vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, skid marks, and any defects in the road that may have contributed to the accident.

  4. 4

    Get the other driver's information

    Important

    Name, license number, insurance company, policy number, and contact details. Do not discuss fault at the scene.

  5. 5

    Identify witnesses

    Important

    Get names and contact information from anyone who saw the accident. Bias against motorcyclists makes independent witnesses especially important.

  6. 6

    Preserve your helmet and gear

    Important

    Your helmet, jacket, gloves, and footwear are physical evidence of the accident's severity. Do not discard or repair them.

  7. 7

    Seek medical evaluation immediately

    Critical

    Even minor-seeming impacts can cause internal bleeding or traumatic brain injury. Get evaluated the same day.

  8. 8

    Notify your insurer

    Helpful

    Report the accident to your insurance company. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about injuries.

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Evidence Checklist

Check off items as you collect them. Critical items should be gathered as soon as possible after the accident.

0 / 25 collected

At the Scene

Critical

Physical Evidence

Critical

Medical Documentation

Critical

Financial Records

Important

Additional Evidence

Helpful

Timeline Risks

Key deadlines and time-sensitive actions. Missing these windows can significantly affect your options.

  1. 1

    Immediately

    Helmet and gear may be discarded

    Preserve all riding gear — it is physical evidence of the crash's severity. Store it in a safe place and do not repair or clean it.

  2. 2

    Within 24-48 Hours

    Delayed injury symptoms

    Seek a full medical evaluation, including neurological screening. Traumatic brain injury and internal injuries often present later.

  3. 3

    Within 30 Days

    Insurance reporting windows close

    Report to your insurer promptly. Avoid recorded statements to the opposing driver's insurer without guidance.

  4. 4

    Within 6 Months

    Witness memories fade

    Secure written witness statements. Download any available dashcam or surveillance footage.

  5. 5

    2 Years (California)

    Statute of limitations for personal injury

    California generally provides 2 years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline typically bars the claim.

  6. 6

    2 Years (Arizona)

    Statute of limitations for personal injury

    Arizona also has a 2-year personal injury statute of limitations. Contact an attorney well before this deadline.

Insurance Issues to Know About

Anti-motorcyclist bias in claims

Insurance adjusters may attempt to attribute fault to the motorcyclist by suggesting speeding, lane-splitting, or recklessness, even without evidence. Strong documentation counters this.

Helmet use and comparative fault

In California and Arizona, helmet use can affect comparative fault arguments. California requires helmets; Arizona does not for riders over 18, but lack of a helmet may be raised in damages arguments.

Underinsured motorists

Motorcyclists are frequently hit by underinsured or uninsured drivers. Your own UM/UIM coverage may be critical to recovering full compensation.

Quick low-ball settlement offers

Motorcycle injuries often involve lengthy recovery. Accepting a quick settlement before understanding the full extent of injuries can leave you without recourse for future medical needs.

Medical payment coverage gaps

Many motorcycle insurance policies have different MedPay or medical payment terms than auto policies. Review your coverage carefully.

When You May Benefit From Speaking With a Lawyer

You are not required to hire an attorney. But in some situations, speaking with a lawyer experienced in personal injury matters can help protect your options. This is educational information, not legal advice.

  • You sustained injuries requiring medical treatment
  • The other driver's insurer is disputing fault or blaming you
  • You received a settlement offer before your treatment is complete
  • The accident involved a road defect or government-maintained roadway
  • Your injuries have caused extended lost wages or disability
  • The other driver was uninsured or underinsured
  • You are unsure how to counter anti-motorcyclist bias in the claims process
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State-Specific Notes

California

  • Statute of limitations: 2 years from date of injury for personal injury claims
  • Fault rule: Pure comparative fault — you can recover even if partially at fault, reduced by your percentage
  • Insurance minimum: $30,000/$60,000/$15,000

Arizona

  • Statute of limitations: 2 years from date of injury for personal injury claims
  • Fault rule: Pure comparative fault — your recovery is reduced by your share of fault
  • Insurance minimum: $25,000/$50,000/$15,000

Laws vary by state and are subject to change. The above is general educational information only and may not reflect recent legislative changes. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for advice specific to your situation.