Got into a motorcycle accident? Here's what matters most: ensure safety, document everything with photos, exchange insurance info, call police, get medical attention, and contact your insurer within 24 hours. With modern digital insurers like Roamly, filing your claim is streamlined—upload photos through their app, get quick estimates, and track your claim in real time. Don't admit fault, preserve evidence, and consider legal counsel for serious injuries. The right coverage and quick action protect both your bike and your wallet.
That heart-stopping moment when your peaceful ride suddenly turns into twisted metal and adrenaline? We get it. When you're dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, the last thing you want is an insurance run-around. Let's break down exactly what to do—without the jargon or fear tactics.
Motorcyclists face serious risks on the road, with 6,335 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes in 2023, representing 15% of all traffic fatalities according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. But here's the thing: having the right insurance and knowing the process can make the difference between a nightmare and getting back on the road.
Your safety comes first, period—assess injuries and get to a safe location immediately.
The seconds after an accident are crucial. If you can move, get yourself and your bike out of traffic. Turn on hazard lights, set up flares if you have them, and make yourself visible. The first priority is preserving evidence, if possible, without compromising safety.
Check yourself for injuries—adrenaline masks pain, so even if you feel fine, pay attention to your body. If you're hurt, don't try to be a hero. Call 911 and stay put until help arrives.
Key safety steps:
Gather driver info, insurance details, and take comprehensive photos before anything gets moved.
Think of yourself as a detective building a case. Take as many pictures as you can of the accident scene before vehicles are moved, paying special attention to damage to your motorcycle and the other vehicle.
Here's your evidence checklist:
Pro tip: Use your phone's voice recorder for notes while everything's fresh in your memory. Modern insurance companies like Roamly make it easy to upload all this documentation directly through their mobile app.
Remember, proper safety gear isn't just for protection—it's also smart financial planning. The CDC reports that motorcycle helmets are 37% effective in preventing deaths, and many insurers offer discounts for safety course completion and proper gear usage.
Contact your insurer within 24 hours and use digital tools to streamline the process.
This is where having a modern, digital-first insurer really pays off. With traditional companies, you might wait on hold for ages. Digital insurers allow you to submit your claim online through mobile apps or by calling specialized claims centers.
Your claim filing strategy:
Remember: You're not required to discuss fault when initially reporting. Just provide the basic facts: when, where, who was involved, and what damage occurred.
Property damage covers your bike; personal injury covers your medical expenses and lost wages.
Understanding this distinction helps you navigate the claims process more effectively. Property damage claims seek compensation for motorcycle repair or replacement, while personal injury claims cover medical expenses and related losses.
Property damage claims include:
Personal injury claims cover:
With a digital insurer, both types of claims can be managed through one platform, making coordination simpler and faster.
Adjusters evaluate your claim, but their goal is to minimize payouts—document everything thoroughly.
An insurance adjuster will contact you to discuss your claim and may request several documents to provide evidence about the circumstances and damages. They're not the enemy, but they're not your best friend either.
What adjusters do:
How to work with them effectively:
Modern digital insurers often use photo-based damage assessment, which can speed up property damage claims significantly.
If you're facing serious injuries, disputed fault, or inadequate settlement offers, legal representation protects your interests.
Consider legal help when you have significant injuries, when fault is disputed, when settlement offers seem insufficient, or when dealing with complex multi-party situations. Experienced attorneys understand insurance company tactics and can often secure better outcomes than individuals handling claims alone.
Consider legal help when:
Many personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning you don't pay unless you win. They understand insurance company tactics and can often secure higher settlements than individuals handling claims alone.
Modern insurers use technology to streamline claims, from mobile apps to AI-powered damage assessment.
Here's where the insurance world has really evolved. Digital-first companies have eliminated much of the traditional hassle. Instead of mailing forms and waiting weeks for updates, you get real-time claim tracking and instant communication.
Digital advantages:
Companies like Roamly have built their entire platform around making insurance work better for modern riders. No more endless phone calls or lost paperwork. Plus, digital insurers often make it easier to stack money-saving discounts for responsible riders, from safety course completion to multi-policy bundling.
Motorcycle accidents are never part of the plan, but knowing how to handle them can make all the difference. The key is having the right coverage with an insurer that actually gets the riding lifestyle.
Your action plan:
Ready to ride with real protection? Get your fast, digital motorcycle insurance quote from Roamly today and experience insurance built for the road ahead. Because when life throws you a curve, your insurance should handle it without missing a beat.
Get Your Roamly Motorcycle Insurance Quote →
Protect your ride with motorcycle-specific coverage—designed by riders, for riders. Don't wait—get covered smart, save money, and ride with confidence knowing you're prepared for whatever the road brings.
Roamly Insurance Group, LLC ("Roamly") is a licensed general agent for affiliated and non-affiliated insurance companies. Roamly is licensed as an agency in all states in which products are offered. Availability and qualification for coverage, terms, rates, and discounts may vary by jurisdiction. We do not in any way imply that the materials on the site or products are available in jurisdictions in which we are not licensed to do business or that we are soliciting business in any such jurisdiction. Coverage under your insurance policy is subject to the terms and conditions of that policy and is ultimately the decision of the buyer.
Policies provided by Roamly are underwritten by Spinnaker Insurance Company, Progressive Insurance Company, Safeco Insurance, Foremost Insurance Company, National General Insurance, Allstate Insurance Company, Mobilitas Insurance Company, Lyndon Southern Insurance Company and others.