In 2023, there were 6,335 motorcyclist fatalities in the U.S.—the highest number since recordkeeping began. Motorcycle riders make up about 3% of all registered vehicles, yet account for around 15% of traffic deaths.

Motorcyclists have less protection compared to car drivers. They are more exposed on the road, without any heavy frame, airbags, or seatbelts. This makes them more vulnerable if they get involved in a traffic accident.

The sudden impact often leaves riders with little time to react, leaving them with damages and injuries. Car accident lawyer Donald P. Day advises immediately contacting a legal professional if you get involved in an auto accident that wasn’t your fault.

But what should you do if a car hits your motorcycle from behind? Let’s find out!

Ensure Your Safety and Assess Injuries

If you’re in a motorcycle accident, get to safety first. Check yourself out for any possible injuries caused by the incident, such as bruises, cuts, or swelling. If you feel any pain or discomfort, take a note of those, too.  

It is best to keep your cool and stay mindful in this kind of situation. Paranoia does not help.

If you suspect you have a serious injury, do not move unless you are being threatened with death. Call for help and keep waiting for the paramedics.

If there are others involved, check on them as well, but self first. Remember, the body will not feel pain when high on adrenaline.

Being a cool head can make a lot of difference in the situation.

Move to a Safe Location

After properly assessing injuries, moving to a safe location should happen immediately. 

If possible, ride carefully off the road or gingerly walk off to safety away from traffic. If you aren’t able to move your bike, try to place yourself as much as possible to avoid a secondary collision.

Look for parking lots or sidewalks nearby where assistance can be awaited. Stay lit at night: turn on the hazard lights if the bike works. 

Do not wait in places on roadsides and those who may readily put you in fatal harm; consider your safety and that of people nearby while you wait for help.

Gather Information and Document the Scene

According to motorcycle accident lawyer Marc Bleaman, the risk of severe injury or death is much greater in a motorcycle accident than in a standard passenger vehicle accident. When these accidents happen, the recovery process is likely to mirror the same legal proceedings that would follow a typical car accident, but a motorcycle accident case is likely to involve more expansive damages.

So it is advisable to gather all necessary information and document the incident scene for the purposes of further prosecution.

Start with an information exchange with the individual who hit you- their name, phone number, and insurance data. Write down their license plate along with the make and model of the vehicle. Gather a list of the names and phone numbers of any witnesses who saw the accident scene. They might have a piece of concrete information to provide later in the report.

Make sure you take clear photographs of the accident scene. Include the numbers of the  vehicles, road conditions, visible damages, and other important details-such as debris and skid marks.

Note down the weather at the time and date. All this knowledge will help establish liability for your case.

Report the Accident to Authorities

After collecting the evidence and recording the incident, it is most essential to report it to the authorities.

You need to call 911 or the police at the local station to get an officer to the accident location. Provide as many details about what happened, and also include the types of injuries and whether any damage is involved.

When able, stay put at the accident site until the police finally turn up. Officially encouraged by the police, their reports will be vital in any future claim or dispute.

Remember to ask for the officer’s name and badge number, with pieces of the report once available. This set of records, in turn, will prove the facts of the crash useful later by defending your rights.

Contact Your Insurance Company and Seek Legal Advice

Now that you’ve filed the accident report, it is time to inform your insurance provider and seek legal advice.

Contact your insurer when you are able to so that you can inform them about the incident. They will take you through the claims process and inform you what coverage applies. Prepare yourself to furnish details, including the police report and even medical reports.

At the same time, think of finding a motorcycle accident lawyer to analyze your case and make you aware of your rights and the possible representation he could do.

An attorney may negotiate the claim with the insurance company for you, so you will get fair compensation for damages and injuries.

The sooner you take those actions, the more it will cut into recovery and your financial well-being.