Crash Course: What to Do If You’re in a Motorcycle Accident in Japan
You're halfway through the best ride of your life. The road winds through cedar forests or hugs a cliffside over the Pacific. Then—bam. Maybe someone didn’t check their mirror. Maybe you misjudged a corner. The bike’s down, your adrenaline’s up, and now it’s real.
Here’s exactly what to do when the ride goes wrong.
1. Check for Injuries and Call 119
If you or anyone else is injured, call 119 to request an ambulance. Some injuries don’t show symptoms until hours later and documentation is essential if you’ll need medical coverage or compensation later.
2. Move to Safety
If you can do so safely, get yourself and your motorcycle off the road. Use hazard lights, warning triangles, or even your helmet behind the bike to warn traffic.
Japan’s roads are often narrow and winding. A stalled motorcycle creates serious risk for secondary accidents.
3. Call the Police (Dial 110)
Once you’ve checked for injuries and moved to safety, call the police by dialing 110. Be prepared to give them:
The exact location of the accident (use Google Maps or a nearby landmark)
A brief description of what happened
Whether there are any injuries (even minor ones)
In Japan, there are two types of traffic accident reports:
Jinshin Jiko (人身事故) – For accidents where anyone is physically injured
Busson Jiko (物損事故) – For accidents involving only property damage
When the police arrive, always request a jinshin jiko if there’s any discomfort, pain, or even minor bruising. This ensures you are eligible for medical coverage, compensation for injuries, and proper legal support. You cannot change the report type later when symptoms show up.
4. Exchange Information
Ask the other party for:
Name
Address
Phone number
License plate number
Driver’s license number
If language is a barrier, take a photo of their documents and license. Also ask any bystanders for their contact details in case you need a witness.
5. Document the Scene
Take photos of:
The vehicles and their damage
Road signs, traffic lights, and lane markers
Road conditions, skid marks, lighting, and weather
Any visible injuries or damage to your gear
Also write down what happened while it’s still fresh where it occurred, what direction each vehicle was going, and any key details you remember.
These will help both police and insurers sort out fault and liability.
6. Visit a Hospital or Clinic
Go the same day even if you feel fine. Save all receipts, diagnosis papers, and prescriptions.
Some injuries (like whiplash or internal bruising) show up hours or even days later. If there’s no medical record from the day of the accident, insurance companies may deny coverage.
7. If You're on a Rental Motorcycle
Call your rental company immediately. You’ll find their number on your contract, the key tag, or sometimes printed on the bike itself.
Report:
The accident location and what happened
Whether the police filed it as a jinshin jiko
Whether the bike is rideable
That you’ve taken photos and exchanged information
Follow their instructions carefully. Do not move the bike unless they say it’s okay. Improper handling of the situation, like not filing a police report or failing to report the injury, can void your rental insurance and leave you responsible for damages and downtime fees.
8. Contact Your Insurance Provider
If you purchased travel or motorcycle insurance, notify the provider immediately. Send them:
The correct police report
Medical records and receipts
Photos of the accident scene
Any communication with your rental company
Most insurers require fast notification and detailed documentation, or they may refuse your claim.
Final Thoughts
Crashing in Japan isn’t ideal. But if it happens, don’t panic. Call the right numbers, say the right things, and for the love of horsepower, don’t walk away without a proper report.
With this guide, you won’t just survive the paperwork, you’ll dominate it. Now go forth, ride hard, and avoid gravel like it owes you money.
