Who Should I Contact After a Bike Crash in the UK?
Reviewed by McAMS, regulated motorcycle accident specialists
After a UK bike crash that was not your fault, contact four people in this order: emergency services or your GP for any injuries, the police where the law requires it, your own insurer to report the incident, and a regulated specialist claims firm to handle any compensation claim. We are not solicitors, but we can connect you with a regulated firm, free and with no obligation.
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Contents
Does 'bike' here mean bicycle, e-bike, scooter or motorbike?
Yes. When we talk about a bike crash we mean any two-wheeled or light powered vehicle, so a bicycle, an electric bike, an electric or push scooter, or a motorbike. The people you need to contact after a crash are broadly the same whichever you were riding.
The details of a claim can differ depending on the vehicle and the circumstances, but the first steps below apply across the board. If you are unsure where your situation fits, a regulated specialist can talk it through with you.
Who do I contact first for my injuries?
Your health comes first. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 999 for emergency services straight away. For injuries that are not an emergency but still need checking, contact your GP, visit a minor injuries unit, or call 111 for advice.
Getting seen matters for your recovery, and it also creates a medical record of what happened and when. That record can be useful later if you decide to make a claim, because it links your injuries to the crash.
When should I contact the police?
You should report the crash to the police where the law requires it, for example if someone is injured, if the other driver fails to stop or give their details, or if you suspect the other person was uninsured or driving dangerously. In England, Scotland and Wales you can often report online or by calling 101 for non-emergencies, or 999 if it is an emergency.
Ask for the incident or reference number and keep it safe. If the driver who hit you drove off, reporting to the police is an important step, and untraced or uninsured drivers may still be covered through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB).
Do I need to tell my own insurer?
It is sensible to report the crash to your own insurer, even if the accident was not your fault and even if you do not think you will claim on your own policy. Many policies require you to notify them of any incident within a set time.
Reporting it does not mean you are admitting fault or claiming on your own cover. It simply keeps you compliant with your policy terms and keeps your options open. If you have motorbike, home or cycle insurance, check what your policy says about notification.
How does a regulated claims firm fit in, and where does Bike Crash Claims help?
If the crash was not your fault and you were injured, a regulated specialist claims firm can handle any compensation claim for you. They are the ones who do the legal work, deal with the other side's insurer, and pursue what you may be owed for your injuries, your bike and your losses.
This is where we come in. Bike Crash Claims is not a law firm and we do not handle claims ourselves. With your consent we connect you with a regulated specialist firm suited to your situation. It is free, there is no obligation, and you pay us nothing. Many specialist firms work on a no win no fee basis under a Conditional Fee Agreement, which the firm will explain to you.
What should I gather before I speak to anyone?
If you are well enough at the scene, collect the other driver's name, address and vehicle registration, plus their insurer if they will share it. Take photos of the vehicles, your bike, the road layout and any injuries, and note the names and contact details of any witnesses.
Any dashcam, helmet-cam or nearby CCTV footage can be valuable, so try to secure it early. Do not worry if you could not gather everything at the time. A regulated specialist can advise on what is needed and help track down evidence such as camera footage or witness accounts.
Need specific advice for your situation?
Every accident is unique. Speak to our specialist team for a no-obligation assessment of your case.
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This guide is general information about motorcycle accident claims in the UK. It is not legal or financial advice. Bike Crash Claims is an introducer: we connect riders with regulated specialist solicitors and motorcycle accident specialists, and we are not solicitors ourselves. Whether you can claim, and what any claim may be worth, always depends on your individual circumstances, and nothing here is a guarantee of any outcome or amount. For advice on your own situation, please speak to a regulated specialist.
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