Accident Procedures
What to do after a motorcycle accident in California
A general, educational walkthrough of the steps riders commonly take after a crash — from scene safety to filing requirements.
- 1
Get to safety and call 911
If you're able to move, get yourself and your motorcycle out of traffic. Call 911 for any injury, regardless of how minor it feels — adrenaline can mask injury symptoms for hours. California law (Vehicle Code § 20008) generally requires a written report to the CHP or local police within 24 hours when anyone is injured or killed.
- 2
Do not leave the scene
Leaving the scene of an injury accident is a criminal offense in California (Vehicle Code § 20001). Stay until law enforcement arrives, or until you've exchanged information if there's no injury and police aren't responding.
- 3
Exchange information
Get the other driver's name, license number, plate number, insurance company, and policy number. Provide the same. Note the exact location, time, and direction of travel for all vehicles involved.
- 4
Document the scene
Photograph vehicle positions, skid marks, debris, traffic signals, road conditions, and visible injuries before anything is moved, if it's safe to do so. Wide shots and close-ups both matter. Note weather and lighting conditions.
- 5
Identify witnesses
Ask bystanders if they saw what happened and get their contact information. Independent witnesses are often the most persuasive evidence in a disputed crash.
- 6
Get evaluated by a medical professional
Some injuries — concussions, soft tissue damage, internal injuries — aren't obvious immediately. A medical evaluation creates a documented record of your condition close in time to the crash, which matters for both treatment and any later insurance claim.
- 7
Report the accident
Beyond the police report, California requires drivers to file an SR-1 form with the DMV within 10 days if the accident caused injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage. Your insurer can also guide you through this.
- 8
Notify your insurance company
Most policies require 'prompt' notice of an accident. Provide basic facts — date, location, parties involved — without speculating about fault or providing a detailed statement until you've had time to think it through.
- 9
Preserve your gear and the motorcycle
Don't repair or discard your helmet, jacket, or the motorcycle until you've photographed the damage thoroughly. Damaged gear and the bike itself are physical evidence of crash dynamics.
- 10
Keep records of everything
Start a folder — physical or digital — for medical bills, repair estimates, time missed from work, mileage to appointments, and any correspondence with insurers. This documentation matters regardless of how the claim resolves.
Want this as a printable checklist?
Use our interactive tool to check off each step in real time, or download a printable version to keep with your gear.
Open the Accident Checklist ToolFrequently asked questions
Do I have to call the police after every motorcycle accident in California?
California law requires a report when there's injury, death, or significant property damage. Even where it's not strictly required, an official report creates a neutral, contemporaneous record that can be useful later.
What if the other driver wants to settle at the scene without police or insurance?
Exchange information and document the scene regardless. Informal scene-side agreements often don't account for injuries that appear later, and they can complicate a future insurance claim.
How soon should I see a doctor if I feel okay after the crash?
As soon as practical, even for minor symptoms. Some injuries, including concussions and soft-tissue injuries, take hours or days to fully present.
Educational information only — not legal advice. We are not a law firm.