What Should You Do After an Accident in Mississippi?

A motorcycle crash can change your entire day—or life—in seconds. Whether you are cruising along the Natchez Trace Parkway or navigating a busy Jackson intersection, Mississippi roads can be unpredictable. Knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident isn’t just smart—it can make a significant difference in your recovery, both physically and legally.

So, what should you do after an accident on your bike? Take the following steps to protect your rights and your well-being.

Get to Safety

If you are physically able, move yourself and your bike to a safe area off the road. If your motorcycle still works, turn on your hazard lights. If you are injured or feel disoriented, try to stay still and wait for emergency responders. Your safety is the top priority—do not risk further injury by trying to “shake it off.”

Call 911

No matter how minor the accident seems, call 911. Mississippi Code § 63-3-411 requires involved parties to report any crash involving injury, death, or property damage over $500 to law enforcement. Even if everyone seems okay, some injuries (like internal trauma or concussions) do not show symptoms right away. Getting an official police report also creates a documented account of what happened, which can be critical later.

Exchange Information and Document the Scene

Exchange names, phone numbers, and insurance information with any other drivers involved. If there are witnesses, get their contact details too.

Take photos or videos of:

• Your motorcycle and any damage
• The other vehicles involved
• Road conditions or skid marks
• Traffic signs, lights, or signals
• Any visible injuries

This evidence can be incredibly helpful when piecing together what happened or countering a false narrative.

Get Medical Attention—Even If You Feel Fine

Adrenaline has a sneaky way of masking pain. What feels like a bruise today could be a fractured rib tomorrow. Whether you are treated on the scene or head to the hospital afterward, be sure to get checked out by a medical professional. Documenting your injuries early creates a clear link between the accident and your medical condition—something insurance companies often try to dispute.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible, even if you weren’t at fault. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about what caused the accident. Be cautious with your wording—it is easy to say something that could be misinterpreted as admitting fault.

Do Not Sign Anything Without Legal Advice

After an accident, you might get a call from the other driver’s insurance company offering a quick settlement. It might even sound like a decent deal—especially if you are facing medical bills or missed work. But these early offers are almost always lower than your case is worth.

Mississippi follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover compensation—just reduced by your percentage of fault. That’s why it is essential to have someone on your side who understands how to push back against undervalued or unfair claims.

Understand the Timeline

In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including motorcycle accidents, is three years from the date of the accident. That might sound like plenty of time, but building a strong case—especially one involving serious injuries—can take months. The sooner you start, the better.

Get Help from a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Motorcycle accidents are not like car crashes. Bikers face a unique set of risks and often deal with more severe injuries. Unfortunately, they also face unfair stereotypes that can impact how insurance companies and juries see the case. Protect your rights and seek fair compensation by talking to a legal team that knows bikes, the road, and how to fight for riders.