What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in California

Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in California, there are several steps you should take:

1. Seek medical attention: If you or anyone else involved in the accident is injured, seek medical attention immediately. Your health and safety should be your top priority.
2. Call the police: Contact the police to report the accident, even if it’s a minor one. The police will create an official report of the accident, which can be helpful if you need to file a claim with your insurance company or pursue legal action.
3. Exchange information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses.
4. Take photos and gather evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved and any damage, as well as any injuries you or anyone else sustained. Gather any other evidence that could help your case, such as witness statements or video footage from a dashcam.
5. Contact your insurance company: Contact your insurance company to report the accident and provide them with all the information you have gathered.
6. Consult with a personal injury attorney: If you have been injured in the accident, it may be in your best interest to consult with a personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights.

It’s important to act quickly after a motorcycle accident in California, as there are certain time limits for filing insurance claims and pursuing legal action.

Why is it Important to Seek Medical Attention After a Motorcycle Accident?

It is important to seek medical attention after a motorcycle accident because even if you don’t feel hurt or injured, you could have underlying injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Adrenaline and shock can mask the pain or symptoms of some injuries, leading you to believe that you’re okay when you’re actually not.

Seeking medical attention right away can ensure that you receive prompt treatment for any injuries and can help prevent the injuries from becoming more severe or causing long-term damage.

Additionally, if you decide to pursue legal action related to the accident, medical records and documentation of your injuries can be important evidence in supporting your claim.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry and get checked out by a medical professional after a motorcycle accident, even if you think you’re okay.

Why Should You Not Contact the Other Party’s Insurance Company After a Motorcycle Accident?

After a motorcycle accident, you should avoid contacting the other party’s insurance company directly without first consulting with a personal injury attorney.

This is because the other party’s insurance company is likely to try to minimize their liability and may use anything you say against you to reduce the amount of compensation they have to pay. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s interests, which may conflict with your own interests.

By consulting with a personal injury attorney first, you can ensure that you have someone who is knowledgeable and experienced in dealing with insurance companies to represent you and protect your rights.

Your attorney can help you understand your legal options, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

It’s important to note that you should still report the accident to your own insurance company, as required by your policy, but you should not provide a statement to the other party’s insurance company without legal representation.

What’s the Importance of Collecting Evidence After a Motorcycle Accident?

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, collecting evidence can be crucial to protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive fair compensation for any injuries or damages you have suffered. Here are some reasons why collecting evidence is important:

• Evidence can help establish liability: Collecting evidence such as photos, witness statements, and police reports can help establish who was at fault for the accident. This can be important when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing legal action.
• Evidence can help determine damages: Evidence such as medical records, receipts for expenses, and estimates for repairs can help establish the extent of your injuries and damages, which can be important in determining how much compensation you are entitled to.
• Evidence can help protect your rights: Collecting evidence can help ensure that your version of events is accurately represented, which can be important in protecting your rights and preventing the other party from unfairly shifting blame.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, there are several steps you can take to collect evidence:

• Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to your motorcycle and any injuries you have suffered.
• Get contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident.
• Request a copy of the police report, which can include important information such as the names and contact information of the other parties involved in the accident.
• Keep a record of any expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, repair bills, and lost wages.

Consider consulting with a personal injury attorney who can help you collect evidence and protect your rights.

Why Should You Speak to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney After a Motorcycle Accident?

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important to speak to a personal injury attorney who has experience handling motorcycle accident cases.

An attorney can provide you with important legal guidance and help you navigate the complex process of seeking compensation for your injuries and damages. One of the key benefits of working with an attorney is that they can help you maximize your settlement amount.

Attorneys can use their knowledge and experience to build a strong case on your behalf, gathering evidence, calculating damages, and negotiating with insurance companies to ensure that you receive fair compensation. They can also help you understand your legal rights and options, and advise you on the best course of action for your specific situation.

Also, if your case goes to court, an attorney can represent you in front of a judge and jury, advocating for your rights and ensuring that your case is presented effectively.

By working with a motorcycle accident attorney, you can improve your chances of receiving a favorable settlement and getting the compensation you deserve.

Get Connected with a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Lawlinq connects people with some of the best motorcycle accident lawyers across the state of California. If you’d like to get connected with a top rated lawyer in your area, give LawLinq a call.

Our service is completely free to use and we can get the questions you have about your accident answered in no time. We know it’s a struggle to find the right attorney for your case. Call us today and we can pair you with an attorney for free.

Motorcycle Accident Resources

• California Motorcycle Accident Settlement Calculator
• California Motorcycle Accident Statute of Limitations
• Los Angeles Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

About the Author

Jessica Anvar

California Consumer Litigation Attorney Jessica Anvar, Esq. is the Founder and Managing Partner of Lemon Law Experts California’s leading lemon law firm. She has multiple years’ worth of experience working with both state and federal lemon laws. Her practice focuses exclusively on consumer protection cases. Ms. Anvar received her J.D. from Loyola Law School. She also earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Loyola Marymount University. Jessica is very active in her local legal community and has helped thousands of clients across the state of California. She has an outstanding record as a true advocate for consumers.