What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Massachusetts

Don’t risk your recovery by waiting too long or handling the process alone; every moment counts when protecting your rights. Let the team at Law Office of Michael J. Carroll stand by your side, fight for the compensation you deserve, and help you move forward with confidence. Call (617) 816-1072 to learn more.

A motorcycle crash can leave you disoriented, injured, and unsure of what comes next. Whether you were hit on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston, sideswiped on Route 2 in Belmont, or struck by a distracted driver along the Mass Pike, what you do in the minutes, hours, and days following a wreck can significantly impact your health, finances, and legal rights.

This guide covers exactly what to do after a motorcycle crash in Massachusetts, including the most important steps to take after a bike wreck, an accident checklist for bikers, and how to protect your right to fair compensation.

If you’ve been hurt in a collision caused by someone else’s negligence, a knowledgeable Massachusetts motorcycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process with confidence.

Stay Calm and Get to Safety

Immediately after a crash, your safety is the top priority. If you're able to move without causing further harm, try to get yourself and your motorcycle out of traffic to avoid additional accidents. Use hazard lights or hand signals to alert other drivers, especially on busy roads like I-93 or Route 3.

Avoid removing your helmet or protective gear too quickly, as injuries, especially to the head, neck, or spine, may not be immediately noticeable.

Call 911 and Report the Accident

In Massachusetts, you are legally required to report any crash involving injury, death, or significant property damage. Always call 911, even if your injuries seem minor. Emergency responders will assess your condition, treat injuries, and file an official police report.

When the police arrive, provide a clear and factual account of what happened, but avoid speculating or admitting fault. The police report will be a crucial piece of evidence in your injury claim, particularly when establishing who was at fault.

Local departments such as the Boston Police, State Police, or municipal agencies in cities like Worcester or Lowell may respond, depending on where the crash occurred.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Not all injuries are visible or painful right away. Conditions like internal bleeding, concussions, or spinal trauma can take hours or days to manifest. It’s critical to be evaluated by a medical professional immediately, whether at the scene or shortly afterward at a facility like Massachusetts General Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess, or UMass Memorial.

Medical documentation is not only essential for your health, but it’s also key to building a strong legal case. Insurance companies may use gaps in treatment as a reason to deny or reduce your compensation.

Document the Scene (If You’re Able)

If you are physically able, begin collecting evidence at the scene. The more information you have, the better your Massachusetts motorcycle accident lawyer can advocate on your behalf later.

Here’s a quick accident checklist for bikers to follow:

Take photos of your motorcycle, the other vehicle(s), skid marks, debris, traffic signs, and road conditions
Photograph visible injuries and your protective gear, especially a damaged helmet
Get the contact information and insurance details of all parties involved
Write down the make, model, and plate number of all vehicles
Collect the names and numbers of eyewitnesses

Don’t rely on memory; adrenaline can cloud judgment. Solid evidence gathered early is often more persuasive than post-accident recollections.

File an Accident Report with the RMV

In addition to calling the police, Massachusetts law requires that you file a Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report with the Registry of Motor Vehicles if:

There is an injury or death
There is property damage exceeding $1,000

You must file this report within five days of the accident. Be accurate and truthful, but avoid making assumptions about fault. A lawyer can help you fill out this report to avoid any language that may be misinterpreted later by insurance adjusters or defense attorneys.

Notify Your Insurance Company

You are required to notify your insurance company about the crash, even if the other party was clearly at fault. However, be extremely careful in how you communicate with your insurer.

Do not:

Admit fault or say “I’m sorry”
Speculate about how the crash happened
Provide a recorded statement without legal advice
Accept a settlement offer before speaking with a lawyer

Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. Their adjusters may act friendly, but are trained to gather information that limits their liability. If you’re unsure what to say, consult a Massachusetts motorcycle accident lawyer before moving forward.

Preserve Evidence

Your motorcycle, helmet, riding jacket, and other gear may serve as critical evidence to prove the extent of the crash and your injuries. Don’t rush to repair or replace them. Instead, store them securely and take multiple photos from different angles.

If your helmet shows impact damage, this can help support a head or neck injury claim. If you suffered road rash, your torn clothing or gloves may help illustrate how the crash unfolded and the severity of your injuries.

Keep Track of Medical Records and Expenses

Organizing all accident-related documents is one of the most important steps to take after a bike wreck. This includes:

Emergency room visits and hospital records
Diagnostic scans (X-rays, MRIs, CTs)
Surgery reports and physician notes
Prescriptions and therapy appointments
Travel costs related to medical care
Time missed from work and wage loss documentation

Your attorney will use this information to calculate damages, including projected future expenses. Even minor costs, like co-pays or transportation fees, should be logged carefully.

Don’t Post on Social Media

While you may want to share updates with friends and family, anything you post on social media can potentially be used against you. Insurance companies and defense attorneys often monitor social media accounts to find evidence that contradicts your injury claims.

Avoid:

Posting photos of yourself after the crash
Sharing updates about your recovery
Discussing the accident online

Even a post that seems harmless, like attending an event or going for a walk, can be twisted to suggest that your injuries aren’t as serious as claimed.

Consult a Massachusetts Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Many riders hesitate to contact an attorney, especially if they’re unsure whether they have a case. However, consulting a lawyer early in the process ensures your rights are protected from the start.

A qualified attorney can:

Investigate the crash and preserve critical evidence
Handle all communication with insurance companies
Connect you with top medical providers and expert witnesses
Calculate the full value of your claim, including future damages
Represent you in negotiations or at trial if needed

Motorcyclists are often unfairly blamed for crashes, even when another driver is clearly at fault. A Massachusetts motorcycle accident lawyer understands the unique challenges bikers face and knows how to counter bias with solid evidence and strong advocacy.

Dealing with Comparative Negligence in Massachusetts

Massachusetts follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

For example:

If you are found 20% at fault and awarded $100,000, you’ll receive $80,000
If you’re found 51% or more at fault, you may be barred from recovering anything

This rule makes it especially important to gather evidence quickly and consult a lawyer who can challenge any attempts to shift blame unfairly onto you.

Time Limits to File a Claim

Under Massachusetts law, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. However, certain circumstances, like crashes involving government vehicles or road hazards, may involve shorter deadlines and special notice requirements.

Acting quickly ensures that:

Evidence is preserved
Witnesses can still be contacted
Your legal rights remain intact

The sooner you reach out to an attorney, the better your chances of building a strong, timely case.

Focus on Recovery; Let a Massachusetts Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Handle the Legal Stress

Recovering from a motorcycle crash is physically and emotionally exhausting. While you focus on healing, your lawyer can focus on:

Gathering crash scene evidence
Coordinating with law enforcement and medical providers
Communicating with all involved insurance companies
Fighting for maximum compensation on your behalf

Motorcycle accident claims are often complex and high-stakes. From what to do after a motorcycle crash in Massachusetts to how to file a claim, you deserve support from someone who understands your unique position as a rider and your right to be treated fairly under the law.

Get the Legal Help You Need After a Motorcycle Crash

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, on city streets in Cambridge, on backroads in Franklin County, or on major highways like Route 24 or the Southeast Expressway, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. From helping you understand your legal rights to building a powerful injury claim, we’re here to protect your future.

Our founding attorney served in the U.S. Coast Guard and earned his law degree cum laude from Suffolk University Law School in Boston. He is licensed in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island and is dedicated to helping injured riders across the region get the justice they deserve.

Call the Law Office of Michael J. Carroll today at (617) 816-1072 for a free consultation. Speak with a knowledgeable Massachusetts motorcycle accident lawyer who will walk you through every step, from the accident checklist for bikers to filing a strong legal claim. There are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we win.