What to check after a motorcycle crash

After a motorcycle accident, you may be wondering if your bike is safe to ride. It may look ok, superficially, but serious damage you can’t see, even if it’s a single-vehicle accident, could render the bike unsafe and leave you vulnerable to injuries in another motorcycle crash.

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you have the right to file a lawsuit for damages against the party responsible. Even a single vehicle crash may be due to the negligence of a third party, and not entirely your fault. Our Boca Raton motorcycle accident lawyer can advise you of your legal options and how to ensure your damages cover all the damage to your bike.

Motorcycle accident inspection checklist

Once you’ve moved your bike out of traffic and ensured your own safety, you can turn your attention to your motorcycle’s critical components. Focus on the frame, brakes, fluids, and lights, as damage to any one of these could render the bike unsafe and unrideable.

If your helmet hit the ground, another vehicle, a curb, a phone pole, or anything else in the wreck, then you should replace it. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends replacing a helmet after any wreck, as the components that make it safe may be damaged, and so it may no longer offer enough protection. Any other safety gear damaged in the crash should be replaced as well.

Next, follow this checklist to determine the extent of the bike’s damage:

• Put the bike in neutral and roll it back and forth, listening for any “crunchy” sounds. If you hear those, or feel resistance, that’s an indication there’s an issue with the frame and body you can’t see
• Look for tears or gashes in the tire’s treads and sidewalls
• Examine the wheels for dents that prevent the tires from seating properly. spin them to make sure they’re not loose on the hub
• Remove debris from the brakes and rotors, and check the brake fluid reservoir and lines for leaks or cracks
• Inspect the front brake lever, clutch, and lines; if the brake lever is broken, the bike isn’t safe
• Check the rear seat pegs to make sure they’re not broken. Broken pegs can make it unsafe to carry a passenger
• If you see any oil or fluid, it indicates a crack in the reservoir or fluid line; the bike may not be safe to drive with this leak
• Turn the bike on and check your lights, horn, shutoff switch, and blinkers

If you complete this checklist and don’t see any issues, you can take your bike for a rest drive to verify its safety, but be careful. It may be better to have a mechanic complete a thorough inspection before you ride again. Do not ride your bike home unless you’re positive it’s safe. If it turns out the bike wasn’t safe, you could be held liable if you get into another wreck, for riding a bike that you knew had just been in a crash.

Protect the value of your claim: Steps to take after a motorcycle accident

Your safety comes first; after a wreck, it’s critical to seek medical attention. Motorcycle riders often suffer grave injuries after a wreck; the adrenaline your body produces can mask how badly you’re hurt.

• Call 911. The responding police officer can manage the scene and file a police report, documenting the scene and the information of all involved
• Save evidence if you can, including your wrecked bike and helmet. Take photos or a video of the scene if you’re able, and of your injuries. Don’t repair your bike until you’ve documented all the damage; if you’re hurt too badly to do this yourself, ask your mechanic or a friend to take photos and a video of the bike’s damage. You’ll need this for your claim. This documentation also supports personal injury claims for medical and financial losses.
• Exchange contact information and ID details with the other driver, but don’t say anything else, and especially do not admit fault
• Notify your insurance company of the wreck; you usually must do this within a couple of weeks of the accident or risk invalidating your policy

Finally, contact a personal injury attorney with experience litigating motorcycle accident claims. You can pursue damages from the at-fault driver (or other party), including compensating you for the expense of repairing or replacing your bike, your medical bills, and pain and suffering.

Improve your chances of a successful motorcycle accident claim

If you’ve been injured in a crash and you need advice on initiating legal action, call the experienced motorcycle accident attorneys at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath. We can help ensure you’re treated fairly during the insurance claims process and file a lawsuit for damages on your behalf if appropriate. We protect your rights and advocate for your financial interests. Our law firm offers free consultations; book yours online or by calling (561) 655-1990.