Unfortunately accidents involving motorcycle riders are common. Whether it’s a ‘sorry mate I didn’t see you’ or the accident is your fault, here’s some advice on what to do if you are involved in an accident on your bike.

Are you injured?

Adrenaline will be running high and it can reduce or even eliminate pain, so you cannot rely on your pain alone. Keep your gear on, don’t be tempted to immediately remove your helmet as this can cause dangerous head, neck or spinal injuries. If you are bleeding, or suspect broken bones, call an ambulance immediately. If you are unable to do so, due to being seriously injured, witnesses should call an ambulance and make sure you are safe and as comfortable as possible until the paramedics arrive.

Do I need to call the police?

If you think an offence has been committed (such as a hit and run driver, the driver is uninsured, or you suspect alcohol or drugs are involved), the road is blocked, or someone is in danger or seriously injured, then yes call 999 for the police and an ambulance too if needed.

If someone has left without giving details, you are having trouble getting details, or an animal or property is involved, you can call 101 instead.

If everyone is fine and there’s no damage, apart from maybe to your’s or their pride, then as long as your gear and bike is still good, you can carry on with your journey.

Get details

Gather details of any witnesses and of anyone else involved in the accident. Ask the witnesses to write down their account of the accident, as they might have seen something you didn’t.

• Date and time.
• Location including road name and/or any nearby landmarks.
• Weather conditions including visibility, rain, snow or other factors that may have contributed to the accident.
• Description of the other vehicles involved. Make, model and registration number.
• Contact details of all parties involved and witnesses. Full names, addresses, phone numbers and insurance information.
• Description of the accident including details of the lead up to the accident.
• Accident scene photos from multiple angles, including any damage to vehicles/property and any road skid marks.
• Police information. If the police have been involved, get the incident report number, and obtain a copy of the report when available.
• Injuries and medical treatment. Record any injuries you sustained, as well as any treatment you received.

What photos do I need?

Only if it’s safe to do so, taking photos can support your insurance claim. These are some types of photos to consider.

• Overall scene. Any damage to nearby objects such as road signs or lamp posts, the position of the vehicles and any skid marks on the road.
• Damage to vehicles/clothing. Take photos from different angles of any damage to your gear and the vehicles involved.
• Visible injuries. If you, a pillion, or anyone else involved has visible injuries, take photos of these. They can be used for evidence.
• Weather conditions. Take photos of the weather at the time of the accident. These can support your claim if weather conditions contributed to the accident.
• Registration plates and insurance details. Take photos of the registration plates and insurance documents if available.

Contact your insurance to report the accident as soon as you can.

Recap

• Get to safety. Move yourself safely out of the road if possible. If you are injured, and unable to do so, witnesses should assess the situation and make you as safe as they possibly can without causing further risks to themselves.
• Keep your gear on. Resist the urge to remove your helmet.
• Call emergency services if needed.
• Gather evidence. Take details of witnesses and take photos.
• Contact your insurance as soon as you can to report the accident.
• Get legal support if necessary.

For further advice, including whether you are still insured to ride home, and what to do with your gear, we have found this article from Simon Hargreaves at Bennetts Bike Social https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/advice/biking-tips/crashed-bike-what-next