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CHECKLIST 1: Immediately After a Motorcycle Crash
Your Crash Scene Survival Guide — The First 60 Minutes
SAFETY FIRST
[ ] Move yourself out of traffic if you can move without worsening an injury
[ ] Turn on the hazard lights on any vehicle that has them
[ ] Call 911 — Texas law requires it for any crash with injury or damage over $1,000
YOUR BODY
[ ] Do a quick self-check: can you feel your extremities? Any numbness?
[ ] Do NOT remove your helmet if you suspect head or neck injury — wait for EMS
[ ] Tell paramedics every place that hurts, even if it seems minor
[ ] NEVER say “I’m fine” or “I’m okay” — say “I need to be evaluated.”
[ ] Go to the ER or urgent care the SAME DAY, even if you feel okay
AT THE SCENE
[ ] Do NOT admit fault — not to the driver, not to witnesses, not to police
[ ] Do NOT discuss the details of the crash beyond what the police require
[ ] Get the other driver’s: full name, phone, driver’s license number, license plate, insurance company, policy number
[ ] Get the names and phone numbers of all witnesses
[ ] Get the responding officer’s name and badge number
[ ] Ask how to obtain the CR-3 crash report (cris.dot.state.tx.us)
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING — USE YOUR PHONE NOW
[ ] Photo: the crash scene from multiple angles
[ ] Photo: all vehicle damage (your bike, their vehicle)
[ ] Photo: your visible injuries (cuts, bruising, road rash)
[ ] Photo: skid marks, debris field, glass, and road conditions
[ ] Photo: traffic signals, stop signs, and lane markings
[ ] Photo: the other driver’s license, registration, and insurance card
[ ] Note: any nearby surveillance cameras (business cameras, traffic cameras, doorbell cameras)
[ ] Note: weather conditions, time of day, lighting conditions
YOUR MOTORCYCLE
[ ] Do NOT move the bike unless it is creating an immediate traffic hazard
[ ] If you must move it, photograph its original position first
[ ] Note the name of any tow company that takes the bike
[ ] Do NOT authorize repairs until your lawyer or insurer has inspected it
[ ] Preserve your helmet, jacket, gloves, and all gear — they are evidence
WHAT NOT TO DO
[ ] Do NOT give a recorded statement to anyone — especially the other driver’s insurance
[ ] Do NOT sign anything at the scene
[ ] Do NOT post about the crash on social media
[ ] Do NOT accept any payment or settlement offer at the scene
WHEN YOU ARE SAFE
[ ] Call a motorcycle injury attorney — most offer free immediate consultations
[ ] Notify YOUR insurance company that a crash occurred
[ ] Do NOT contact the other driver’s insurance without speaking to a lawyer first
CHECKLIST 2: Before Every Ride
Pre-Ride Safety and Legal Protection Checklist
TIRES
[ ] Tire pressure (check cold — see your manual for spec)
[ ] Tread depth — minimum 2/32″ front, 1/32″ rear (replace sooner)
[ ] No visible cracks, bulges, or embedded objects
CONTROLS
[ ] Throttle — smooth operation, snaps back when released
[ ] Clutch lever — smooth pull, proper free play
[ ] Front brake lever — firm, not mushy
[ ] Rear brake pedal — responsive
[ ] Both brake lights activate when braking
LIGHTS
[ ] Headlight (high and low beam)
[ ] Taillight and brake lights
[ ] Turn signals (all four)
[ ] Mirrors (clean, properly adjusted)
OIL AND FLUIDS
[ ] Engine oil level
[ ] Coolant level (liquid-cooled bikes)
[ ] Brake fluid (clear/light yellow is good; dark means change it)
[ ] Chain lube or final drive (shaft drive)
CHASSIS
[ ] No unusual play in handlebars
[ ] Suspension — no oil leaks
[ ] No loose bolts or hardware visible
[ ] No fuel smell or visible leaks
YOUR GEAR
[ ] Helmet — DOT/ECE/SNELL certified, no cracks or damage from prior impact
[ ] Eye protection — clear visor or goggles
[ ] Jacket — armored, abrasion-resistant
[ ] Gloves — full-finger, abrasion-resistant
[ ] Boots — over-the-ankle, non-slip sole
[ ] Pants — reinforced riding pants
YOUR DOCUMENTATION (carry every ride)
[ ] Valid motorcycle license or endorsement
[ ] Current vehicle registration
[ ] Proof of insurance
YOUR CONDITION
[ ] No alcohol or impairing substances
[ ] Adequate sleep
[ ] No medications causing drowsiness
[ ] Someone knows your route and estimated return time
CHECKLIST 3: Insurance Coverage Review
Is Your Motorcycle Policy Actually Protecting You?
STEP 1: VERIFY YOUR BASIC COVERAGE
[ ] Liability — do you have it? What are the limits? (Texas minimum is 30/60/25; recommended 100/300/100)
[ ] Collision coverage — covers damage to YOUR bike
[ ] Comprehensive coverage — covers theft, weather, vandalism
STEP 2: THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION — DO YOU HAVE UM/UIM?
[ ] Do you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage?
[ ] What are your UM/UIM limits? (Recommended: match your liability limits)
[ ] Does your UM/UIM include property damage (UMPD)?
If you declined UM/UIM, call your agent today and add it. It is cheap. It is essential.
STEP 3: MEDICAL COVERAGE
[ ] Do you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP)?
[ ] Do you have Medical Payments (MedPay)?
[ ] What are your PIP/MedPay limits?
STEP 4: GEAR AND ACCESSORIES
[ ] Does your policy cover custom parts, accessories, and modifications?
[ ] Does it cover your helmet, jacket, and riding gear in a crash?
STEP 5: QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR AGENT
[ ] “Is my UM/UIM set to at least match my liability limits?”
[ ] “Do I have PIP on my motorcycle policy?”
[ ] “Does my policy cover custom parts and accessories? What’s the limit?”
[ ] “Does my roadside assistance cover my motorcycle specifically?”
[ ] “Can my UM/UIM be stacked with my auto policy?”
CHECKLIST 4: Evidence Preservation After a Crash
A Lawyer’s Checklist for the First 30 Days
DAYS 1–3: YOUR MOTORCYCLE AND GEAR
[ ] Motorcycle is stored in a secure location — NOT on a tow lot, racking up fees
[ ] Motorcycle has NOT been repaired or cleaned
[ ] Helmet is stored safely — NOT discarded, NOT given to insurance
[ ] Riding jacket, gloves, boots, and pants are stored intact
[ ] Photos of all gear damage (abrasion patterns, impact marks, torn areas)
DAYS 1–3: DIGITAL EVIDENCE
[ ] Dashcam/helmet cam footage — downloaded and backed up to cloud storage
[ ] Phone photos from crash scene — backed up
[ ] GPS/ride tracking app data from the day of the crash — exported and saved
[ ] Contacted nearby businesses about surveillance footage preservation (footage overwrites in 30 days)
DAYS 1–7: MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION
[ ] Every medical provider you see is documented — name, address, date
[ ] You have told every provider the crash date and how it happened
[ ] You have NOT minimized your symptoms to any provider
[ ] You are filling every prescription and keeping records
[ ] Begin a pain and symptom journal (see Checklist 5)
DAYS 1–14: LEGAL AND FINANCIAL
[ ] Attorney has been contacted — even if only for a free consultation
[ ] You have NOT given a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer
[ ] You have NOT signed a medical authorization for the other driver’s insurer
[ ] You have NOT posted about the crash on social media
[ ] Police report (CR-3) has been requested and reviewed for accuracy
[ ] Employer has been notified of your injury and any work restrictions
[ ] Lost wage documentation has begun
RED FLAGS — THINGS THAT CAN HURT YOUR CASE
[ ] Gaps in medical treatment — if you must miss an appointment, document why
[ ] Social media posts about physical activity, travel, or feeling good
[ ] Discussing the case with anyone other than your attorney and doctor
[ ] Repairing or selling the motorcycle before attorney approval
[ ] Accepting any settlement offer without legal review
CHECKLIST 5: Daily Pain and Symptom Journal Template
Build the Evidence That Proves Your Injury Is Real
Complete this journal every day — even on good days. Good days matter because they show the variability of your condition. Skip entries hurt your credibility.
Daily Entry Template
Date: _______________ | Day since crash: Day _____
PAIN AND PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
For each area that hurts or is affected, note the location, type of pain (sharp, dull, burning, aching, numbness, tingling), and a 1–10 pain scale.
Describe any new symptoms today not present before:
_____________________________________________________________
Did your pain/symptoms improve, worsen, or stay the same compared to yesterday?
[ ] Improved — describe: ___________________________________
[ ] Same
[ ] Worse — describe: ___________________________________
THINGS YOU COULD NOT DO TODAY
Be specific: “could not turn head to check mirrors,” “could not lift arm above shoulder level,” “could not stand for more than 10 minutes.”
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
WORK AND DAILY LIFE IMPACT
[ ] Missed work today — reason: ___________________________________
[ ] Worked but with limitations — describe: ___________________________________
[ ] Unable to perform household tasks — which ones: ___________________________________
[ ] Needed assistance from family/caregiver — describe: ___________________________________
SLEEP
Hours slept: ___ | Sleep disrupted by pain or injury? Yes / No
Describe: _____________________________________________________________
EMOTIONAL/MENTAL STATE
(Anxiety, depression, fear of riding, PTSD symptoms, difficulty concentrating — these are compensable damages)
_____________________________________________________________
MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS TODAY
Provider: _______________ | Time: _______________ | Purpose: _______________
What did the provider tell you? _____________________________________________
CHECKLIST 6: Hiring a Motorcycle Injury Attorney
What to Ask Before You Sign Anything
QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING THE CONSULTATION
[ ] “How many motorcycle crash cases have you handled in the past two years?”
[ ] “What percentage of your personal injury caseload involves motorcycles specifically?”
[ ] “Do you work with accident reconstructionists who specialize in motorcycle dynamics?”
[ ] “How do you handle the ‘reckless rider’ bias from insurance companies?”
[ ] “Will you personally be handling my case, or will it be assigned to someone else?”
[ ] “What is your fee structure and contingency percentage?”
[ ] “What is your honest assessment of my case — strengths AND challenges?”
RED FLAGS — WALK AWAY
[ ] They guarantee a specific outcome or settlement amount
[ ] They pressure you to sign immediately
[ ] They cannot explain how motorcycle crash cases differ from car crash cases
[ ] They have never mentioned the CR-3 report, UM/UIM coverage, or rider bias
[ ] Their office feels like a processing center — high volume, low personal attention
GREEN FLAGS — SIGNS YOU’VE FOUND THE RIGHT PERSON
[ ] They ask thoughtful questions about your crash — the bike, the road, the gear, the scene
[ ] They mention specific motorcycle crash concepts (lean angle, inattentional blindness, gear as evidence)
[ ] They are honest about the challenges, not just the potential upside
[ ] They do not pressure you to decide immediately
[ ] They have a demonstrated connection to the riding community
[ ] They are willing to talk to you for free and answer questions even if you don’t hire them
Contact a trusted Texas motorcycle accident lawyer — no cost, no obligation, just straight answers from someone who rides.