After a motorcycle accident, take these steps: check the scene for hazards, call 911, apply basic first aid if you are trained, photograph and document everything, exchange information with the other parties, and get medical care within 24 hours. Under New York law, you must also file a DMV report (Form MV-104) within 10 days if anyone was injured or property damage exceeds $1,000.
The minutes after a crash are disorienting. Adrenaline is running, injuries may not be obvious yet, and you may feel pressure from others at the scene. A clear plan of action protects your health and preserves the evidence you will need.
This guide covers medical and procedural steps only. It does not address legal liability or compensation — for those questions, see our page on Queens motorcycle accident lawyers.
Step 1: Check the Scene for Hazards
Before anything else, look around you. Moving too quickly can expose you to more danger:
- Oncoming traffic — If you are in a live lane, the danger may not be over. Get to the shoulder or sidewalk if you can without making injuries worse.
- Fuel leaks — Gasoline can ignite. Keep flames and cigarettes far from any vehicle leaking fuel.
- Downed power lines — Stay clear of any downed electrical lines. Do not touch any vehicle in contact with a live wire.
- Fire or smoke — Move away immediately and warn others nearby.
If your motorcycle has hazard lights, turn them on. If you have warning triangles or flares, put them out to alert oncoming traffic.
Step 2: Call 911 After a Motorcycle Accident
Call 911 no matter how minor the crash seems. A police report creates an official record — what happened, where, and who was involved. That record matters for insurance and documents the facts while they are fresh.
When you call:
- Give your exact location (street name, nearest intersection, or a landmark)
- Say how many people appear to be hurt
- Report any hazards — fuel leak, fire, downed line
- Stay on the line until the dispatcher says you can hang up
If you are hurt and cannot call yourself, ask a bystander. Do not assume someone else already called.
Step 3: Do Not Move an Injured Rider — Handle the Helmet Carefully
If another rider is down, do not move them. Every motorcycle crash should be treated as a potential spinal injury until EMS confirms otherwise. Moving someone with a spinal injury can cause permanent paralysis.
On the helmet: Do not remove a rider's helmet unless their airway is blocked and they cannot breathe. If removal is truly necessary, it takes two trained people — one holds the head and neck still (manual in-line stabilization) while the other carefully slides the helmet off. One person trying this alone can cause serious additional harm.
If the rider is unconscious but breathing, keep them still and wait for EMS. If they stop breathing and you are trained in CPR, follow your training after calling 911 first.
For bleeding: Apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth. Do not remove an object that is stuck in a wound.
Step 4: Document Everything at the Motorcycle Accident Scene Before Vehicles Are Moved
Once 911 is called and any urgent medical needs are handled, start documenting. Evidence disappears fast — vehicles get moved, debris gets cleared, witnesses leave. The first 30 minutes matter most.
Photograph:
- Both vehicles in their original positions
- All vehicle damage from multiple angles
- Skid marks, road debris, and road surface conditions
- Traffic signals, signs, and lane markings nearby
- Your injuries from several angles (cuts, bruises, road rash)
- Your helmet and riding gear damage
- License plates
Collect from other parties:
- Full name, address, and phone number
- Driver's license number
- Vehicle registration
- Insurance company and policy number
From witnesses:
- Name and phone number
- What they saw and from where
From the responding officer:
- Name and badge number
- Police report number (to get a copy later)
Write down your account of what happened as soon as you can — before speaking to any insurance adjuster. Memory is sharpest right after an event and fades fast under stress.
Step 5: Get Medical Care Within 24 Hours of a Motorcycle Accident
See a doctor within 24 hours, even if you feel fine. This step matters more than most people realize.
Adrenaline suppresses pain. Injuries that feel minor at the scene — or cause no pain at all — can be serious. These include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) — Headache, confusion, or memory gaps may show up hours later. Riders wearing helmets can still get concussions.
- Internal bleeding — There is no external wound, but abdominal pain, dizziness, or shoulder pain can signal internal hemorrhage.
- Spinal injuries — Back or neck pain that develops hours later can point to vertebral damage.
- Soft tissue injuries — Whiplash and deep muscle damage often do not hurt much until the next day.
- Road rash — Even mild scrapes carry infection risk and need proper cleaning and care.
Your medical records are the core documentation of what happened to your body. A gap between the crash and your first doctor visit is one of the most common things insurance adjusters use to dispute an injury.
Go to every follow-up appointment. Keep all records, bills, and imaging results. Write brief daily notes about your pain levels and what you cannot do — this becomes a useful record of your recovery.
What's in this video?
The Orlow Firm's attorneys walk through the immediate steps after a vehicle accident in New York — calling 911, documenting the scene, and getting prompt medical care. The guidance applies equally to motorcycle accidents.
Step 6: File the Required DMV Report
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 605, you must file Form MV-104 with the NYS DMV within 10 days if:
- Anyone was injured or killed in the accident, OR
- Property damage to any one party exceeds $1,000
Missing this deadline is a misdemeanor and results in automatic license suspension until you file.
Get Form MV-104 from a DMV office, a police precinct, your insurance agent, or at dmv.ny.gov.
Important note on no-fault insurance: Under New York Insurance Law § 5102(f), motorcycles are expressly excluded from the definition of "motor vehicle" for no-fault (Personal Injury Protection) purposes. If you were riding a motorcycle, you cannot file a no-fault claim the way a car driver would. The rules for motorcycle riders pursuing compensation in New York are different — and more complex.
What's in this video?
The Orlow Firm explains documentation after a vehicle accident in New York — what to photograph, what records to keep, and why a complete paper trail matters. These principles apply to motorcycle accidents as well.
Step 7: What NOT to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Watch out for these common mistakes:
- Do not apologize or admit fault. Saying "I'm sorry" can be used against you as an admission. Speak only to the police about facts.
- Do not leave the scene. Leaving after an injury accident is a criminal offense under VTL § 600.
- Do not move an injured rider unless they face an immediate threat such as fire.
- Do not remove the helmet of someone with a possible spinal injury unless their airway is blocked.
- Do not let vehicles be moved before you document. Once a vehicle is moved, that evidence is gone.
- Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company without first understanding your rights.
- Do not delay medical care. Waiting two or three days creates gaps that complicate everything later.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Should I move an injured motorcyclist at the scene?
No — not unless they face an immediate life threat such as fire or rising water. Motorcycle crashes carry a high risk of spinal injury. Moving someone with a damaged spine can cause paralysis. Keep the person still, reassure them, and wait for EMS.
What if the other driver leaves the scene?
Write down everything you can: the vehicle's make, model, color, and any part of the plate number. Ask witnesses if they caught the plate. Report all of this to police when they arrive. New York has insurance options for hit-and-run accidents, including uninsured motorist coverage.
Are motorcycles covered by no-fault insurance in New York?
No. Under New York Insurance Law § 5102(f), motorcycles are expressly excluded from the no-fault (PIP) system. This is a key difference from car accidents. Motorcyclists must pursue compensation through different channels, which makes the legal picture more complex for riders.
How long do I have to file a DMV accident report in New York?
Under VTL § 605, you have 10 days from the date of the crash to file Form MV-104 with the NYS DMV if anyone was injured or property damage exceeded $1,000. Missing that deadline is a misdemeanor and triggers license suspension.
What injuries are most common in motorcycle accidents?
Road rash, broken bones (wrists, arms, and legs from bracing for impact), traumatic brain injury, spinal injuries, and internal organ damage are the most frequent serious injuries. Delayed symptoms are common — see a doctor promptly no matter how you feel at the scene.
Can I still get compensation if I wasn't wearing a helmet?
New York VTL § 381 requires all motorcycle riders to wear approved helmets. Not wearing one may be a factor in how compensation is calculated under New York's comparative negligence principles (CPLR § 1411), but it does not automatically bar you from recovering damages.
When should I talk to a motorcycle accident lawyer?
Once your immediate medical needs are handled and you have your documentation in order, speaking with an attorney helps you understand your rights — especially given that motorcycle riders are excluded from no-fault coverage. For questions about liability and the legal process, our Queens motorcycle accident lawyers offer a free consultation.
Sources & Official Resources
New York Laws Cited
- VTL § 605 — Accident Reports (10-day filing requirement)
- VTL § 600 — Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting
- VTL § 381 — Motorcycle Equipment (Helmet Requirement)
- NY Insurance Law § 5102(f) — Motorcycle Exclusion from No-Fault
- CPLR § 1411 — Comparative Negligence
Helpful Resources 6. NYS DMV — File a Motorist Crash (Accident) Report / Form MV-104
Contact The Orlow Firm
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in Queens or anywhere in New York City, The Orlow Firm can help. Our attorneys have handled personal injury cases in New York for over 40 years.
Call (646) 647-3398 for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis — no fee unless we win. Se Habla Español.
This post covers medical and procedural steps, not legal advice. For questions about liability, compensation, or your specific case, speak with a Queens motorcycle accident lawyer.
