What to Do in Case of a Motorcycle Crash

You should always do what you can to avoid crashing your motorcycle, but at the same time, you need to be prepared should the worst happen. What you do in the seconds before, during, and after the crash can make a huge difference, and that’s why the experts at Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County have created this guide to what you should do in case of a motorcycle crash.

Before the Motorcycle Crash

You will only have a few seconds between realizing that you won’t be able to prevent the crash and the actual crash itself. It’s important that you use that time to slow down as much as possible while scanning the area in front of you for obstacles. Try to aim your bike for the softest spot you can see in order to minimize your injuries. 

During the Motorcycle Crash

While it may be tempting to just let instinct take over during a motorcycle crash, that’s actually the last thing you should do. For example, your body will want to tense up in anticipation of the impact, but you are actually less likely to get injured if you relax and let yourself go limp. Instinct will also tell you to stretch out your arm, when in reality you should be tucking in your limbs to avoid broken or sprained bones. Finally, it’s important that you remember to let go of the motorcycle during the crash. This will decrease the likelihood that you will end up trapped under the motorcycle. 

After the Motorcycle Crash

After the crash, you will likely feel disoriented. You might not even be able to tell if you are still in motion or not, so stop and count to five before trying to get up. If you are currently in the middle of the road, move to the side to get out of the path of other vehicles. Next, inspect yourself for injuries. Bear in mind that adrenaline can mask pain, so some of your injuries might not be immediately obvious. Once that’s done, you can start exchanging insurance info, calling a tow truck, or getting medical attention if necessary. 

For more information or to shop our inventory of new and pre-owned motorcycles, visit Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County online or at our dealership in Westminster, California. We also offer servicing, parts ordering, and financing. We are proud to serve the Orange County, California area, as well as the city of Los Angeles, California. We hope to see you soon!