What should I do if I crash my motorcycle?
If you’re in any motor vehicle accident in California, including a motorcycle wreck, you must report it to the police if:
- Anyone was injured.
- The dollar amount of damage is $1,000 or more.
- There are aggravating circumstances like DUI on the part of any involved driver.
Can you fix a wrecked motorcycle?
When your motorcycle is totaled and there is no hope for repair, you must apply for a Salvage Certificate. However, if your motorcycle can be and is repaired to an operable level, you can reregister it with the California DMV.
What should I check on a motorcycle after an accident?
Check for damage to the engine case, kickstand, foot pegs, forks, brake lever, brake pedal, and so on. Make sure nothing has come loose. The lighting should work and the motorcycle should run smoothly. If there’s any damage to the engine case, call for a tow.
Does dropping a motorcycle ruin it?
If you “dropped” it, or it went down and slid on it’s side, it’s not a big deal. If it tumbled, the frame could be cracked. If it was dropped due to stunting (fell from a wheelie or stoppie), then the impact could have been hard enough to damage the frame or the forks.
Are motorcycles worth the risk?
Most riders will tell you that a motorcycle, as a ride, is no more risky than any other vehicle on the road. While it is true that the unique design of a motorbike presents a greater risk of serious injury more than a car, your skill as a motorcyclist will contribute to your safety on the road.
What are the most common motorcycle injuries?
Common Injuries in Motorcycle Crashes
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). In a study conducted by NHTSA on 104,472 motorcyclists injured in traffic crashes, 15 percent of helmeted and 21 percent of unhelmeted riders suffered TBI.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Lower-extremity injuries.
- Internal injuries.
- Fractures.
- Road rash.
What happens to a totaled motorcycle?
If your motorcycle is totaled, the insurance company is required to pay you only the fair market value of your bike, regardless of how much you owe on it or how much you think it is worth. Fair market value is the amount that the motorcycle would sell for on the open market.
How do you tell if a motorcycle is totaled?
Your motorcycle may be considered totaled by your insurance provider if:
- The damages exceed 50%-75%+ of the motorcycle’s actual cash value.
- Proper repairs can’t be made for major structural damage.
- The frame had to be replaced or extensively repaired.
How do you tell if a motorcycle has been crashed?
Some signs to look for are:
- Wobbly Wheels.
- Bent or Gouged Front Forks.
- Bent or Crooked Handlebars.
- Dented or Scratched Gas Tank.
- Bent Frame.
- Large Crank Case Scratches.
- Broken or Cracked Plastic or Fiberglass Covers.
- Overall Strange Feeling While Riding the Motorcycle.
What happens to a motorcycle when you lay it down?
When you lay your motorcycle on it’s side, that port will leak battery acid all over the place, which can cause serious cosmetic damage and serious safety risks to you.
How do you tell if motorcycle has been dropped?
Get on the motorcycle with your feet on the ground. Balance the bike straight up and point the front wheel straight forward. The handlebars should be exactly 90 degrees from the front tire. If it is skewed at all then it has either been dropped really hard on the ground or has been in a front end accident.
Why won’t my motorcycle start after it fell over?
If a bike won’t start after it fell over, it is usually due to a tip-over sensor or a flooded carburetor. Reset the sensor by switching the ignition off and back on, and let the bike stand until the fuel has drained and evaporated. In some cases oil may have entered the air filter housing or the combustion chamber.