What to Do If You’re Hurt in a Motorbike Accident

Written for Queensland riders by a personal injury lawyer

Motorbike accidents are different. They’re more dangerous, more painful, and way more complicated when it comes to insurance and compensation. 😖

If you’ve been injured in a motorbike crash in Queensland, this guide will walk you through exactly what to do — step by step — to protect your health, your rights, and your future 💼⚖️

🚨 Step 1: Check Yourself and Get Medical Help

Motorbike crashes usually cause serious injuries — even at low speed.

Common injuries include:

• Broken bones 🦴

• Road rash 🩹

• Whiplash or back pain 😣

• Head injuries 🧠 (even with a helmet)

🚑 Call 000 if the injury is serious or life-threatening. If not, see a GP within 24–48 hours to document everything.

💡 No medical records = weak injury claim. Even minor pain should be written down!

📸 Step 2: Gather Evidence (Like a Lawyer)

Insurance companies aren’t kind to motorbike riders.

They’ll often try to blame you — even if it wasn’t your fault. So gather everything. 📷🕵️‍♂️

Take photos of:

• 🛵 Your bike (before and after)

• 🚗 Other vehicles and damage

• 📍 Crash location (roads, lights, skid marks)

• 🧍‍♂️ Injuries (yes — yours too!)

• 👀 Witnesses (get names and numbers)

Write down:

• Date, time, weather ☁️

• What happened (your version)

• Details of other drivers

🧠 You’re building a case — the more you collect, the stronger your claim.

👮 Step 3: Report the Crash (If You Haven’t Yet)

In Queensland, you must report a motorbike crash to Policelink (131 444) or online if:

• Someone was injured

• There was significant damage

• The other driver didn’t give details

• Dangerous driving was involved

⚠️ Not reporting can create legal problems later.

📄 Step 4: Start Your Injury Claim (CTP Claim)

If another driver was partly or fully at fault, you can make a CTP (Compulsory Third Party) claim for:

• Medical bills 🏥

• Lost wages 💰

• Pain & suffering 😔

• Rehab & home help 🧽

• Long-term disability 💼

✅ Even if you were a pillion passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist, you can claim under their CTP insurance.

Find the at-fault driver's insurer using the MAIC lookup tool.

📆 Queensland Time Limits (Don’t Miss These!)

⏱️ Action	🗓️ Deadline
Notify insurer after seeing a lawyer	1 month
Lodge Notice of Accident Claim Form	9 months from crash
Start legal proceedings (if needed)	3 years max

❗ Missing these = no compensation. Talk to a lawyer ASAP.

⚖️ Step 5: Speak to a Personal Injury Lawyer

Motorbike cases are complex — and insurers often blame riders, even unfairly.

Here’s how a personal injury lawyer can help:

• Handle all paperwork and insurer calls

• Prove fault (even if it’s unclear)

• Fight for maximum compensation

• Work on a No Win, No Fee basis

💬 You don’t pay unless you win. Most Queensland firms offer free consults.

🤯 Real Case Example (QLD)

Craig, 29, was riding through an intersection when a car failed to give way. He broke his leg, had surgery, and couldn’t return to warehouse work for 8 months. 💰 He received $210,000 through a CTP injury claim.

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Mistake	⚠️ Why It's a Problem
Not seeing a doctor	Weakens your claim instantly
Saying “I’m fine” to insurer	Can be used to deny injury
Accepting a fast cash offer	May not cover long-term costs
Not using a lawyer	Leaves money on the table

✅ Summary: What to Do After a Motorbike Crash

🛠️ Action	📍 Why It Matters
Get medical help	Your health + proof of injury
Take photos & witness info	Helps prove fault later
Report crash to police	Required in most QLD cases
File CTP injury claim	Start ASAP — time limits apply
Speak to a lawyer early	Maximise payout + less stress

📞 Hurt in a Motorbike Accident in Queensland?

We’ve helped hundreds of riders get the compensation they deserve — even when insurers said they were at fault.

🧑‍⚖️ Free case review with a QLD personal injury lawyer

📍 Gold Coast