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Sorrymate's Guide on What To Do in the Event of a Motorcycle Accident

We've put together a guide on what to do following a motorcycle accident. We've pooled our collective knowledge from the thousands of accidents we have dealt with to give you an idea of what to do and how to act in the immediate aftermath of an accident.

Sorrymate are motorcycle accident solicitors registered in England in and Wales and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. We specialise in motorbike accident claims.

Sorrymate will ensure that your accident claim is dealt only by the best, most dedicated, biker driven bunch of professionals. Sorrymate’s Injury team can handle everything from the repairs of your bike, a replacement bike whilst yours is off the road, any personal injury claims and much more and all on a no win no fee basis.

Make sure you pull over immediately after a bike accident

What should I do if I've had an accident on my bike? Even if your motorbike has not collided with another vehicle, if it has been involved in an accident in any way, you must pull over and stop. Ensure that everyone gets to safety. Try to ensure you’re out of the way of on-coming vehicles and try to stay on the pavements where possible.

  • Failing to stop after a collision is a criminal offence. It could land you with a fine, disqualification, or in the worst possible case, prison. You should stop and exchange details with any individuals involved. Turn off the engine. Switch the hazard lights on.
  • If it is concluded that there is no damage to your motorcycle, other vehicles or persons then you are free to leave.

Dealing with the immediate shock

If you’re conscious and moving, it’s extremely common to go into shock after an accident. If possible:

  • take deep breaths,
  • or try to eat or drink something sugary.
  • try not to get angry and keep calm

If you have a pilly on your motorcycle, and they have gone into shock, simply follow the above with them.

We know that it is extremely stressful to see your pride and joy get smashed up, however, try to remember that you are safe and that your motorbike can be repaired.

When to phone for an ambulance - If no injuries have occurred, including people or animals, and you have exchanged details with the others involved in the collision, then you are free to leave. This is providing that your motorbike is safe to ride. However, you should alert the emergency services if you suspect serious injuries have been sustained by anyone involved. You can do this by phoning 999.

When to phone the police

You should always phone the police immediately if:

  • The other driver leaves, or attempts to leave the scene without giving any details.

  • You suspect that the other driver doesn’t have any insurance

  • You suspect that the other driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol

  • You suspect that the other driver caused the collision deliberately

Check yourself for injuries

After a motorcycle accident, it’s extremely important to check yourself for injuries. Adrenaline is a fantastic chemical that exists in our bodies to help us deal with stressful situations such as a motorcycle accident. However, it’s also very effective at masking pain allowing you to deal with the situation. The end result is that you may be more injured than you are aware of at the time.

If an ambulance attends the accident at the time, always allow paramedics to check you over. If applicable, follow their advice to attend hospital.

Many bikers are too quick to conclude that they’re fine after an accident. However, months down the line, they may become aware of certain ‘niggles’. Even if you feel perfectly fine, then chances are, the following day you will feel worse for wear.

Reporting the incident and other practical steps

Don’t admit liability. Even if you believe that you may have been the cause of the accident, or even partly your fault, this could have a detrimental effect on your legal position. It’s easy to assume you’re at fault following an accident when you’re in shock.

Take lots of photographs: Try to get photos that show the position of the vehicles on the road. Include photographs of your own motorcycles and any other parked vehicles in the area.

Get witness details: If there are any witnesses in the area who saw the collision, try to get their names and addresses so that you can pass them onto your insurance company or the police. Witnesses can be critical in both pursuing and defending a claim.

Make sure you exchange your details: Make sure you exchange your name, registration number, phone number, address and your insurance details

Make a record of the accident: It’s easy to forget small tiny details after an accident. Try to write down your account of the accident as soon as possible while it’s still fresh in your mind.

What kinds of details should I record after an accident?

The kind of details you want to record are:

  • Other vehicle details: Make, model, colour, number plates of all the vehicles involved in the accident. Try to take photographs if you can
  • The exact time and date of the accident
  • Driving conditions: These include the conditions and quality of the road, current weather conditions, lighting conditions. Was there anything on the road, for example, petrol or disease spills, mud etc?
  • What damage occurred to each vehicle: Try to note what damage occurred on each vehicle, for example, the wing mirror and so forth. Photographs will usually help with this
  • Record any injuries: These can be your injuries, the driver’s injuries as well as any injuries to pedestrians. This evidence can be critical if you make a compensation claim for your personal injuries later on.
  • Details of any witnesses
  • CCTV: Did you notice any CCTV in the area that could be used as evidence? Make a note of any visible in the area

Report the incident to your insurance:

Report the incident to your insurance when possible and contact SorryMate as soon as possible to begin your claim.

The details you want to have ready when contacting your insurance company are:

  • Your policy number
  • Other information such as your bike registration and your postcode
  • The registration number of the other vehicles involved
  • The other driver’s name, address and phone number
  • The other driver’s insurance details if you have them

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A dedicated solicitor

We guarantee that your claim will always be dealt with by the same dedicated biker-solicitor from start to finish.

No win, No fee

No win, No fee means you don’t need to worry about paying for upfront legal fees. If you don’t win your case, you don’t pay.

Motorcycle repairs

Let us handle the organisation of your bike repairs. If your bike is beyond repair, we will assist you in getting a replacement.

Temporary bike hire

Is your motorcycle out of action? We’ll deliver a hire bike right to your door to use while yours is being fixed.

Damaged gear recovery

Has your gear been damaged during your accident? Sorrymate will ensure you get a replacement like for like.

A firm you can trust

As bikers ourselves, when you choose Sorrymate to represent you, you can trust that you’re in safe hands.

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Sorrymate.com is a trading style of Smooth Law Limited. Smooth Law Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority (SRA no. 619610)

Contact Us:

Registered Address:
104 Mere Grange,
Leaside, St Helens,
WA9 5GG.
Telephone: 08006 300 301
Email: enquiry@sorrymate.com

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