What to do after a motorcycle accident

From McCarthy Motorcycle Law — Wisconsin’s Motorcycle Injury Attorneys

Let’s be real—motorcycle accidents are terrifying. One second, you're riding free with the wind at your back. The next, you're on the pavement, stunned, hurting, and wondering what just happened.

If you're reading this after being in a crash, we’re genuinely sorry you’re going through this. At McCarthy Motorcycle Law, we know how overwhelming it can be. We’ve helped riders across Wisconsin pick up the pieces and get the justice they deserve—and we’re here for you too.

This guide walks you through what to do after a motorcycle accident, step-by-step. Whether the crash just happened or it’s been a few days and you're trying to figure out your next move, this page is for you.

First Things First: Check Yourself and Others for Injuries

After an accident, adrenaline can mask pain. You might think you’re okay when you’re actually hurt. Take a deep breath and do a quick body scan. If you’re able, check on any passengers or others involved.

If anyone is seriously injured—or if you’re not sure—call 911 immediately. Even if you think it’s “just road rash” or a minor bump, it’s smart to get checked out. Injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, or spinal trauma can be sneaky and serious.

Get to Safety (If You Can)

If you’re lying in the middle of a busy road and you’re able to move, try to get to a safer spot. If your bike is still upright and you can move it without hurting yourself, do that too. But never put yourself in more danger just to move your motorcycle. Your safety comes first—always.

Call the Police

In Wisconsin, you’re required to report an accident if there’s an injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more. In most motorcycle accidents, that threshold is met instantly.

Even more importantly, having an official police report helps protect you later. The report creates a record of what happened, who was involved, and what the officers observed. This can be critical when you’re dealing with insurance companies—or when you’re building a case with your lawyer.

Don’t Admit Fault (Even If You’re a Nice Person)

This one’s hard. You might want to say, “I’m sorry” or take the blame just to smooth things over. Resist that urge.

What you say at the scene can be used against you later, even if you were just trying to be polite or say you were sorry the other side got hurt. There’s often more going on than you realize—like a distracted driver, a poorly maintained road, or a mechanical failure.

Let the investigation play out. Don’t make assumptions. Don’t apologize. Just stick to the facts and let your lawyer handle the rest.

Gather Evidence (If You’re Able)

If you’re physically able to do so safely, start gathering information. This can make a huge difference down the line.

Here’s what to focus on:

  • Take photos of the scene, your bike, your injuries, skid marks, debris, and anything else that seems important.

  • Get contact info from any witnesses. Names, phone numbers, and email addresses.

  • Exchange info with the other driver(s), including their name, phone number, driver’s license number, plate number, and insurance details.

  • Record details about the weather, road conditions, and anything unusual (construction zones, missing signs, etc.). Videos can help here.

This might feel like a lot in the moment, but even a few photos and notes can be a game-changer.

Get Medical Attention ASAP

If you weren’t taken to the hospital right away, see a doctor as soon as you can. It’s not just about your health (though that’s #1)—it’s also about documenting your injuries.

Insurance companies love to argue that if you didn’t see a doctor right away, you must not be that hurt. That’s unfair and untrue, but it’s a fight we deal with all the time.

So do yourself a favor: get checked out and follow your doctor’s advice. It helps you heal, and it strengthens your case.

Notify Your Insurance (But Be Cautious)

Call your insurance company to report the accident, but keep it simple. Stick to the basics:

  • The date and time of the crash

  • Where it happened

  • Who was involved

You don’t need to give a recorded statement right away, and you don’t need to speak with the other driver’s insurance at all—especially not without talking to a lawyer first.

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize claims. They might seem friendly, asking you how’re doing now, but they are not on your side. We are.

Don’t Touch That Settlement Offer (Yet)

Sometimes, insurance companies move fast. They’ll call you within days offering a settlement check. It might even sound generous at first.

But here’s the thing: once you cash that check, your case is closed. No more compensation. No matter what new injuries show up. No matter how big your medical bills get. No matter how long you’re out of work.

Insurance companies know how to negotiate motorcycle accident settlements. That first offer is almost always low. They’re hoping you’ll take it before you talk to a lawyer.

At McCarthy Motorcycle Law, we offer free consultations if we think we can help. We’ll review the offer, talk through your options, and let you know what your case is really worth—no pressure, no B.S.

Talk to a Motorcycle Injury Lawyer

Motorcycle crashes are different from car accidents. Riders face unique injuries, unique risks, and (unfortunately) unique biases. Too often, we see good riders get blamed simply for being on a motorcycle—even when the crash wasn’t their fault.

That’s why it helps to have a lawyer who rides with you, so to speak. At McCarthy Motorcycle Law, we don’t just handle motorcycle injury cases—we focus on them. Every attorney here has experience riding motorcycles.

We understand what you’re up against. We know how to stand up to insurance companies, and we know how to win. Whether you were hit by a careless driver, injured by a defective bike part, or thrown off your ride because of a dangerous road, we’ve got your back.

Common Injuries After a Motorcycle Crash

Just to give you some perspective, here are some of the injuries we often see in our clients:

Every case is different, and every injury matters. Don’t let anyone minimize what you’re going through.

You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone

Here’s the truth: recovering from a motorcycle accident is hard. You’re dealing with pain, stress, lost income, medical bills, and an uncertain future.

But you’re not alone.

We’ve helped countless riders in Wisconsin get their lives back. We fight for injured motorcyclists every day—and we don’t back down from insurance companies or big defense firms. Whether your crash happened in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, La Crosse, or anywhere in between, we’re here for you.

We offer:

  • Free, no-pressure case evaluations

  • No fee unless we win

  • Personal attention from start to finish

When you hire us, you get an award winning lawyer—someone who listens, cares, and knows how to help.

Quick Checklist: What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Let’s wrap this up with a simple checklist you can come back to:

✅ Get to safety
✅ Call 911 if anyone is hurt
✅ Call the police and request a report
✅ Don’t admit fault
✅ Take photos and gather info (if possible)
✅ See a doctor ASAP
✅ Notify your insurance—but keep it brief
✅ Don’t accept a settlement without legal advice
✅ Contact a trusted motorcycle injury lawyer

Ready to Talk? We’re Here When You Need Us.

If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle accident in Wisconsin, reach out. Even if you’re not sure whether you have a case, we’ll listen. We’ll give you honest answers, and we’ll help you make the best decision for you and your future.

Get Your Free Case Evaluation from an Award Winning Attorney at McCarthy Motorcycle Law today.
We ride with the underdogs—and we don’t quit until we’ve done everything we can to make things right.