Here's What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident on a Rental

Sep 3, 2024

Accidents can happen to even the most careful riders, and knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath of a motorcycle accident is crucial. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a less experienced rider, when you’re renting through Rider's Share, having a clear action plan can make all the difference. Let's break down the steps you need to take if you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation.

Stay Calm and Focus On Your Immediate Safety

The moment after an accident can feel overwhelming. However, staying calm is essential to handling the situation effectively. Begin by checking yourself for injuries. If you're able, move to a safe location away from traffic. If it's safe to do so, check on the other people involved in the accident and ensure they're okay as well.

Get to Safety:

1. If you're in the middle of the road, move to a safe spot on the side.
2. Turn off your motorcycle and use hazard lights to alert oncoming traffic.
3. If possible, set up road flares or other signals to warn other drivers.

Assess the Situation and Call for Help

Once you're in a safe spot, it's time to assess the extent of the accident. If anyone is injured, call emergency services immediately. Even if injuries appear minor, it's always better to have medical professionals on the scene. Injuries may not be apparent right away, and medical records can be important for insurance claims.

When to Call 911:

1. If there are injuries (even minor ones)
2. If the accident is blocking traffic
3. If there is significant damage to any vehicles involved

Document the Scene

Accurate documentation is crucial when dealing with insurance claims. Take photos of the scene, including all vehicles involved, the surrounding area, and any visible damages or injuries. Make sure to document:

• The position of the vehicles
• Damage to the motorcycle, other vehicles, or property
• Weather and road conditions
• License plates and any distinguishing features of the vehicles involved

Having this documentation can help protect you in any potential disputes or claims down the road.

Exchange Information

Next, you’ll need to exchange information with the other driver(s) involved. 

Collect their:

• Full name and contact details
• License plate number and driver's license
• Insurance company and policy number
• Make, model, and color of their vehicle
• If there were any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information as well. They could be valuable in providing an impartial account of the accident.

In a single-vehicle accident and not finding the above too helpful? Scroll down for more information. 

Report the Accident to Rider's Share

If you were riding a rental from Rider's Share, reporting the accident promptly is necessary. Rider's Share offers a streamlined process to help you navigate post-accident concerns. Here's what you need to do:

1. Notify Rider's Share – Inform our platform as soon as possible about the accident. Riders Share’s claim FAQ offers additional details on what is needed, or view more info below.
2. Submit Documentation – You’ll be required to submit your documentation of the accident. This may include photos, a police report, and information about the other party involved.
3. Work With Insurance – Rider's Share insurance covers certain damages, but it's important to check their policy specifics to see what applies to your rental. This differs depending on the insurance tier you selected when renting.

By following these steps, you'll be able to process your claim quickly and ensure that everything is taken care of.

Claim Processing FAQ

• Claim Processing Time: Most claims are resolved within 1-3 weeks, though serious accidents, thefts, or total losses may take longer depending on claim volume and severity.
• Liability for Damages: Renters are responsible for damages up to their deductible. If coverage was declined, renters bear full responsibility unless covered by personal insurance. Owners are generally not liable.
• Deductible Capture: The deductible is charged once the adjuster confirms the damage is eligible for coverage. This is done after the claim is filed, as per Riders Share's terms.
• Accidents Involving Third Parties: Renters are still responsible for their deductible unless Riders Share successfully pursues the at-fault party’s insurance.
• Theft or Vandalism: Renters are responsible for damages up to their deductible. A police report is required for theft or vandalism claims.
• Pre-Existing Damage: Riders Share compares repair costs for pre-existing and new damages, covering only the difference. Renters are not held liable for pre-existing damage but must return the vehicle in the condition they received it.
• Wear and Tear: Pre-existing scratches considered as wear and tear won't block coverage of new scratches unless they also fall under wear and tear.

Avoid Making Admissions or Assigning Blame

In the aftermath of an accident, it can be tempting to say things like, "I'm sorry," or even make guesses about what caused the crash. However, these statements can sometimes be interpreted as admissions of fault, even if you didn't intend them that way.

Instead, focus on the facts:

Stick to sharing your name, contact details, and insurance information.

Let law enforcement and insurance adjusters determine fault based on the available evidence.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s important to get a medical check-up. Some injuries, like concussions or soft tissue damage, may not manifest until hours or days later. A medical professional can help identify potential issues and provide you with the documentation necessary for insurance claims.

Follow Up With Insurance and Riders Share

After the initial report, make sure to stay in touch with both your insurance company and Rider's Share. Rider's Share will help you navigate through their process, and you'll want to follow up on any claims or repairs needed. Whether it’s working with your own insurance or the platform's protection plan, it’s critical to stay organized.

Find Yourself in a Single-Vehicle Accident? 

If you find yourself in a single-vehicle accident with just you or your motorcycle, you’ll realize most of the above information isn’t too helpful. In the case of a single-vehicle accident, such as losing control while turning too fast, the process largely follows the same steps as with any other accident. Here’s what you should do:

1. Ensure Your Safety: First and foremost, get yourself to safety. If you’re uninjured and able to move, try to pull off the road to a safe location.
2. Assess Damage and Injury: Check yourself for any injuries. Even in a single-vehicle accident, you might have sustained injuries that are not immediately apparent. If you feel any pain or discomfort, seek medical attention right away.
3. Document the Scene: Even though no other vehicles are involved, it’s still important to document the scene. Take photos of your motorcycle, the road conditions, and any damage. This documentation will be essential when reporting the accident to Rider's Share or your insurance provider.
4. Contact Rider’s Share: If you rented the motorcycle through Rider's Share, you need to report the accident as soon as possible. Follow their claims process, which will include submitting photos and any relevant details. Riders Share may ask for more information based on the specific situation.
5. Check Insurance Coverage: If you opted for insurance coverage through Rider’s Share, you’ll be responsible for covering damages up to your deductible. If you did not purchase insurance through Rider’s Share, you may be liable for the full cost of repairs. Your personal insurance may cover some of the costs, so be sure to contact your provider.
6. Repairs and Costs: For a single-vehicle accident, you will need to coordinate with Rider’s Share and any involved insurance companies for repairs. Rider's Share will assess the damage, and if it’s eligible under their coverage, the deductible will be applied. If you caused the damage during your rental, you’ll be responsible for repair costs.

Rider's Share Insurance Process:

What Your Insurance Covers

Riders Share offers insurance that covers:

• Damages include accidents, theft, and severe damage from disasters like fires or

floods.

• Third-Party Liability: If you get into an accident that results in damage to a third party, we provide state minimum liability coverage requirements
• Exclusions: The insurance doesn’t cover personal items left on the motorcycle, illegal activities, or damage from off-road riding.

What’s Not Covered

• Personal Items: The insurance does not cover any personal belongings on the

motorcycle.

• Personal Protection: If you are injured, make sure you have your own health insurance or travel insurance because damage waivers do not cover injuries.
• High-Risk Activities: The insurance does not cover damages from risky or illegal activities like stunt riding, race track use, or riding a motorcycle on unpaved roads.
• Wear and Tear: Normal wear and tear from motorcycle use is not covered. This means small scratches or engine wear from regular use won’t be paid for by the insurance.

You can learn more about motorcycle rental insurance at the link below!

Be Prepared and Stay Safe

No one plans for an accident, but having a plan in place can help you stay composed and manage the situation effectively. Prioritizing safety, gathering documentation, and promptly reporting the accident to Rider's Share will ensure that you’re taking the right steps in handling the aftermath of a motorcycle accident.

Rider's Share is here to assist you through the process, so be sure to familiarize yourself with their accident procedures and insurance details before hitting the road. This way, you'll be prepared for any unexpected situation and can focus on getting back to enjoying your ride.

For more information about renting motorcycles and ensuring a smooth ride, check out Rider's Share at the link below.