A motorcycle crash can change your life in seconds. Knowing what to do immediately afterward can protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover full compensation.

First, get to safety and call 911. Seek medical attention right away—even if injuries don’t seem severe. After you report the crash to law enforcement, contact an experienced Louisiana motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your claim.

At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we’ve recovered over $1 billion for injury victims across Louisiana. We know how quickly insurance companies move to limit payouts—and how important it is to take the right steps from the very beginning. Your Voice is Our Voice, and we’re here to help you take back control after a serious crash.

In this blog, we’ll give you a step-by-step outline of what to do immediately after a motorcycle crash and how we’re here to help you.

Motorcycle Crash Terms to Know

• Concussion: A type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, or memory issues. Even mild concussions require medical evaluation (CDC).
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A broader category of brain injuries that can range from mild (like a concussion) to severe and life-threatening, often affecting cognitive and physical function.
• Internal Bleeding: Bleeding inside the body that may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening if untreated.
• Negligence: A legal concept where someone fails to act with reasonable care, resulting in harm to another person. This is the foundation of most personal injury claims.
• Liability: Legal responsibility for an accident or injury. Determining liability is key to recovering compensation.
• Admitting Fault: Any statement or action suggesting you caused the accident (such as apologizing). This can be used against you by insurance companies or in court.
• Damages: The financial compensation you may be entitled to, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
• Settlement: An agreement between parties to resolve a claim without going to trial, often involving compensation.
• Statute of Limitations: The legal deadline to file a personal injury claim. In Louisiana, this is generally one year from the date of the injury.
• Recorded Statement: A statement given to an insurance company that can be used to evaluate—or challenge—your claim. It’s best to speak with an attorney before providing one.

Step-by-Step: What to Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Crash

The following steps aren’t just recommendations—they’re how you protect your health, rights, and legal case after a serious crash:

Step 1: Get to Safety and Call 911

If you’re able to move, get out of traffic and away from danger right away. Then call 911.

Emergency responders will:

• Provide immediate medical care
• Secure the scene
• Document what happened

Motorcyclists face a much higher risk of serious injury, even in low-speed crashes.

Step 2: Get Medical Attention—Even If You Feel Okay

Always get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Soft tissue damage

Step 3: Make Sure a Police Report Is Filed

A police report is critical evidence. When officers arrive:

• Stick to clear, factual statements
• Do not guess or speculate
• Do not admit fault
• Ask how to get a copy of the report

This report helps establish what happened and who may be responsible.

Step 4: Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you can safely do so, start collecting evidence immediately. Capture:

• Photos of vehicles, your motorcycle, and the crash scene
• Road conditions, skid marks, and traffic signs
• Contact details for witnesses
• Insurance and driver information

The more documentation you have early on, the stronger your case will be later.

Step 5: Be Careful with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies may contact you quickly after the crash. Remember: their goal is to limit payouts, so avoid:

• Giving recorded statements
• Accepting quick settlement offers
• Signing anything without legal advice

The Louisiana Department of Insurance advises consumers to understand their rights before agreeing to any settlement.

Step 6: Do Not Admit Fault

Do not apologize or say anything that could be interpreted as accepting blame. Motorcycle accidents often involve multiple factors, including:

• Another driver’s negligence
• Dangerous road conditions
• Equipment failure

Let the facts and investigation determine fault—not statements made in the moment.

Step 7: Contact a Louisiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Immediately

Getting the right legal team involved early can make all the difference. Acting quickly allows your attorneys to:

• Preserve critical evidence
• Speak with witnesses
• Handle insurance companies
• Build a strong case for maximum compensation

At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, you get a full team behind you—including David Laborde and Digger Earles—ready to step in, take over, and fight for you from day one.

Motorcycle Crash Do’s and Don’ts

Do This	Avoid This
Move to a safe area if you can and call 911 immediately	Leaving the scene before help arrives
Get medical care right away—even for minor symptoms	Ignoring injuries or delaying treatment
Cooperate with police and provide factual information	Guessing, speculating, or admitting fault
Take photos and gather evidence at the scene	Relying on memory instead of documentation
Collect contact info from witnesses and involved parties	Forgetting to identify key witnesses
Keep records of medical visits, expenses, and communications	Throwing away paperwork or failing to track details
Let your attorney handle communication with insurers	Speaking to insurance adjusters alone
Follow your doctor’s treatment plan closely	Skipping appointments or stopping treatment early
Reach out to an experienced injury lawyer quickly	Waiting too long to get legal guidance

Call Laborde Earles Immediately After Your Motorcycle Crash

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, the most important step you can take right now is getting the right team on your side. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can step in to protect your rights and start building your case. With over $1 billion recovered for Louisiana clients and more than 1,000 five-star reviews, our team is ready to go to work for you right now.

Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 284-9548 or request your free case evaluation online—it’s fast, easy, and available 24/7. There’s no cost to speak with us, and you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions After a Motorcycle Crash

What are my legal rights after a motorcycle accident in Louisiana?

If someone else’s negligence caused your crash, you may have the right to seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering

Under Louisiana law, you generally have a limited time to file a claim. You can learn more about your rights through the Louisiana State Legislature. Acting quickly helps protect your ability to recover damages.

Do I have to speak to the other driver’s insurance company?

No—and you should be cautious if they contact you. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s interests. The Louisiana Department of Insurance advises consumers to fully understand their rights before giving statements or accepting settlements. It’s often best to speak with an attorney first.

What if I think I might have been partially at fault?

You should still speak with an attorney. Motorcycle accidents are often complex, and fault isn’t always clear at the scene. Even if you believe you share some responsibility, you may still be able to recover compensation depending on the circumstances.

When should I hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?

As soon as possible. Early legal involvement allows your attorney to:

• Preserve critical evidence
• Communicate with insurance companies
• Protect you from costly mistakes

How much does it cost to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?

Most personal injury law firms, including Laborde Earles, work on a contingency fee basis. That means:

• No upfront costs
• No hourly fees
• No payment unless your case is won

This allows you to focus on recovery while your legal team handles the rest.

What if the accident involved a hit-and-run or uninsured driver?

You may still have options. Coverage such as uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) insurance could apply.

How long do I have to file a claim in Louisiana?

Louisiana generally has a short deadline for personal injury claims, often one year from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation, so it’s important to act quickly and speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

Can I handle my motorcycle accident claim on my own?

You can, but it’s risky. Insurance companies handle claims every day and have teams working to minimize payouts. Having an experienced legal team levels the playing field and helps ensure your case is handled properly from the start.