A motorcycle collision can leave you facing pain, confusion, and uncertainty about what comes next. Riders often ask what steps to take first, who to contact, and how to protect their rights. Understanding what to do after a motorcycle accident helps you stay calm and make informed decisions during one of the most stressful moments of your life.
At Greg Linehan Law, we have guided injured motorcyclists in Sarasota for nearly 30 years. Our team combines compassion with practical experience to help you focus on recovery while we handle the legal challenges.
Contact us today at 941-559-4529 to discuss your case and learn how we can help you.
Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
Florida’s roads are beautiful but busy, and a crash can happen in an instant. Knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident can protect your health and your case.
Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately
Your safety and well-being come first. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, you should see a doctor immediately. Internal bleeding, concussions, and spine injuries may not show symptoms right away.
Visit an emergency department or urgent care clinic, and then follow all medical recommendations. Keep copies of test results, imaging, and doctor’s notes. These records will help connect your injuries directly to the crash.
As treatment continues, save medical bills and receipts in one organized folder. They become vital evidence in an insurance or personal injury claim.
Step 2: Call Law Enforcement
Under Florida law, you must immediately report any crash involving injury, death, or at least $500 in property damage. Law enforcement will respond, document the event, and create an official crash report.
Before leaving the scene, request the report number. The investigating officer’s observations can later help prove who was at fault. This record will also support your attorney’s investigation.
Step 3: Collect Evidence at the Scene
If it is safe, gather evidence before vehicles are moved. Important items include:
- Contact and insurance information from all drivers involved;
- Names and phone numbers of witnesses; and
- Photographs of the roadway, skid marks, traffic signals, and visible injuries.
If your injuries prevent you from doing this, ask a bystander or friend for assistance. Your lawyer can also obtain additional records or surveillance footage later.
Collecting accurate evidence early can make the difference between a disputed claim and a successful recovery.
Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company
After receiving medical care and filing a report, notify your insurance company that the crash occurred. Florida’s motorcycle riders are not covered by the state’s no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) system, which means recovery often depends on proving another party’s negligence.
Keep your communication brief and factual. Do not agree to recorded statements or accept early settlement offers before speaking with a qualified attorney. Insurers may try to limit payouts before the full extent of your injuries is known.
Step 5: Speak with a Sarasota Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you find yourself thinking, “I was in a motorcycle accident,” reaching out to an experienced lawyer is essential. A Sarasota attorney can:
- Investigate the crash and determine who is responsible;
- Review policy coverage to identify available benefits;
- Communicate with insurance representatives on your behalf; and
- Calculate medical expenses, lost income, and long-term damages.
At Greg Linehan Law, we know what to expect after a motorcycle accident and how to manage complex Florida injury claims. Our local experience brings your case careful, individualized attention that makes a difference.
Step 6: Focus on Your Recovery
Healing takes time and patience. Attend all follow-up appointments, participate in physical therapy, and follow every instruction from your medical providers. Keeping a pain journal can also help document your recovery and how injuries affect daily life.
If you are recovering from a serious motorcycle accident, our firm helps coordinate medical payments and manage communication with providers while pursuing fair compensation on your behalf.
What to Expect After a Motorcycle Accident
The aftermath of a crash can be unpredictable. Riders often face hospital bills, lost wages, and anxiety about getting back on the road. Insurance claims can take months to resolve.
At Greg Linehan Law, we help clients anticipate obstacles before they become problems. We handle paperwork, evidence requests, and negotiations, allowing you to focus on getting well.
What Should You Not Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
Certain actions can harm your claim or slow your recovery. Avoid these mistakes:
- Leaving the scene without calling law enforcement,
- Admitting fault or apologizing to others involved,
- Posting photos or comments about the crash online, and
- Accepting an insurance offer without legal guidance.
Remaining calm, avoiding speculation, and letting your motorcycle accident lawyer handle all communication will help protect your rights.
What Should You Check After a Motorcycle Crash?
After a crash, look around for safety hazards, vehicle leaks, or debris. Check for visible injuries or pain, and move to a safe area away from traffic. Examine your helmet and gear for cracks or scuffs, as this evidence can show the severity of impact.
Note traffic signals, road conditions, and nearby surveillance cameras. These details can later help your attorney reconstruct what happened and determine liability.
Should I go to the hospital after a motorcycle accident if I feel fine?
Seek medical care after a motorcycle accident, even if you feel fine. Some injuries have delayed symptoms, and early treatment protects your health and strengthens your accident claim.
Who should I contact after a motorcycle accident?
After a motorcycle accident, call the police, seek medical care, notify your insurer, and consider speaking with an motorcycle accident attorney to understand your rights and options.
What information should I collect at the motorcycle accident scene?
If possible, gather the other driver’s contact and insurance info, take photos of the scene, and collect witness details. This evidence helps determine fault and document the accident.
Life After Recovering from a Serious Motorcycle Accident
Physical recovery is only one part of the process. Emotional recovery often takes longer, especially for riders hesitant to get back on their bikes after recovering from a serious motorcycle accident. Feelings of fear or anxiety are common, but with support and guidance, many riders regain confidence over time.
Our firm helps clients rebuild every aspect of their lives by addressing financial concerns, coordinating with medical providers, and holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions.
How Greg Linehan Law Helps Sarasota Riders
If you were injured in a Sarasota motorcycle crash, you need a law firm that understands both Florida’s traffic laws and the realities of motorcycle riding. Greg Linehan Law combines decades of experience with personal attention and local insight. Clients work directly with Greg and his team, rather than being shuffled between departments.
Schedule your free case review today. Let us handle the legal details while you focus on your recovery and the road ahead.