5 Common Mistakes to Avoid after a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating—physically, emotionally, and financially. In the chaotic moments after a crash, it’s easy to make quick decisions that feel right in the moment but can seriously harm your future. Whether you’re shaken, injured, or unsure what to do next, your actions in the hours and days following the accident can make a major difference in your ability to recover compensation.
At Pushchak Law Firm, Denver motorcycle accident attorney Brian Pushchak has represented countless riders who were injured due to another driver’s negligence. He understands that motorcyclists often face unfair bias in insurance claims and courtrooms, and that simple missteps—often made out of confusion or stress—can make it harder to get a fair outcome.
Below, we’ll break down the five most common mistakes motorcycle accident victims make, why they matter, and what you should do instead to protect your health, rights, and financial recovery.
1. Not Seeing a Doctor Right Away
One of the most common and most damaging mistakes after a motorcycle crash is failing to get medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine, you may have hidden injuries—such as internal bleeding, concussions, or soft-tissue damage—that won’t show symptoms for hours or even days. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain and make you believe you’re unhurt.
Seeking immediate medical care serves two critical purposes:
-
Protecting your health. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent minor injuries from becoming major or life-threatening conditions.
-
Protecting your legal claim. Your medical records create a timeline that links your injuries directly to the accident. Without documentation, the insurance company may argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the crash or aren’t serious enough to justify compensation.
Even if paramedics at the scene clear you, schedule a full medical evaluation the same day or as soon as possible. Follow your doctor’s advice carefully, attend follow-up appointments, and keep all records and bills organized—these will be essential evidence in your case.
For more information about what to do immediately after an accident, visit our page on motorcycle accident claims in Denver.
2. Waiting Too Long to Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Many injured riders underestimate how complicated the claims process can become. Insurance companies move quickly after a crash—often contacting victims within hours—to collect statements that can minimize their own liability. By the time you realize your injuries are worse than expected, you may have already said or signed something that weakens your claim.
Contacting a Denver motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible ensures that your rights are protected from day one. Attorney Brian Pushchak offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only owe legal fees if he wins your case.
When you reach out early, your lawyer can:
-
Investigate the accident while evidence is fresh
-
Deal directly with insurance adjusters on your behalf
-
Help you access the right medical specialists
-
Calculate the full value of your losses, including future expenses
Even if you’re unsure whether you have a strong case, it’s worth having an experienced attorney evaluate your situation. The consultation is free—and could prevent costly mistakes that jeopardize your financial recovery.
3. Saying Too Much at the Scene (or to the Insurance Company)
After an accident, you may feel compelled to apologize, explain what happened, or reassure the other driver that you’re fine. Unfortunately, even innocent statements can later be used against you as an admission of fault.
When speaking with police, insurance representatives, or other parties involved, remember these key rules:
-
Stick to the facts. Provide only the basic details: where and when the crash occurred, which vehicles were involved, and the sequence of events as you saw them.
-
Don’t speculate. Never guess about speed, distance, or what the other driver was doing.
-
Avoid discussing fault. Never say “I’m sorry” or suggest that you might have caused the accident, even partially.
Let your attorney handle communications with insurance adjusters. They are trained to elicit statements that can minimize payouts. With legal representation, you can focus on your recovery while your lawyer manages these critical discussions.
4. Destroying or Repairing Evidence Too Soon
Your motorcycle, helmet, clothing, and even your damaged phone could hold vital evidence that supports your case. It’s tempting to repair your bike or throw out torn clothing quickly—but doing so could erase proof of the severity of your crash.
Before repairing or replacing anything, document everything:
-
Take photos of the accident scene, your motorcycle, and your injuries.
-
Save all physical evidence, even if it seems unimportant.
-
Do not authorize repairs or dispose of damaged gear until your attorney has reviewed it.
Attorney Brian Pushchak and his team often use this evidence to reconstruct the accident, prove the force of impact, and demonstrate liability. Once items are discarded or altered, that evidence may be gone forever.
5. Failing to Follow Up with Medical Treatment
Getting checked out immediately after your accident is only the first step. Ongoing medical care is equally important—for both your health and your personal injury claim.
Insurance companies closely scrutinize treatment records. If you skip follow-up appointments, delay physical therapy, or stop taking prescribed medication, they may argue that you’re not as injured as you claim. This can significantly reduce your compensation.
By consistently following your doctor’s treatment plan, you create a clear record of your recovery and demonstrate that you’re taking your health seriously. This makes your claim stronger and helps ensure you receive full compensation for both current and future medical needs.
Why Experience Matters After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accident cases are unique. They often involve complex liability issues, severe injuries, and biases against motorcyclists. Insurance companies may try to argue that you were “riding recklessly” or “assumed the risk” simply by being on a motorcycle.
That’s why working with an experienced local attorney like Brian Pushchak matters. His firm is dedicated to helping Denver riders receive the fair treatment and compensation they deserve. Through his Informed Decisions™ approach, Brian provides the information, guidance, and personal attention you need to make confident choices about your case.
With Pushchak Law Firm, you’ll always work directly with your attorney—not a paralegal or call center. You’ll have access to honest advice, clear communication, and compassionate representation from start to finish.
Contact Pushchak Law Firm After a Motorcycle Accident in Denver
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash in Colorado, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. Avoiding these five mistakes can protect your health, preserve your legal rights, and improve your chances of a fair recovery.
Contact Pushchak Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation. Call 720-600-4820 or use our online contact form to get started.
Attorney Brian Pushchak will help you understand your options, protect your future, and pursue the compensation you deserve—so you can focus on healing and getting back on the road.
- Is Lane Splitting Legal in Colorado? - November 24, 2025
- Why You Should Never Approach a Dog While Eating or Sleeping - November 17, 2025
- The Psychological Impact of Motorcycle Accidents - November 10, 2025
Free Case Consultation
If you have been injured and would like to speak with one of our attorneys, take advantage of our free, no-obligation consultation. And if you have a viable case, there are no fees until we win.
Call 303.372.6145
