Zack Courts, the host of Throttle Out on Motor Trend, freelance writer, and lifelong motorcyclist, is currently on the mend following a severe motorcycle accident that left him with multiple injuries, including a fractured ankle and significant eye trauma.
Courts posted an update five weeks after the accident, saying he expects to walk again in a few months and asking followers for a little time while he focuses on recovery.
He thanked family and friends for immediate help, his father flew to Spain to assist, his wife, Kat, cared for him, and friends and coworkers stepped in to support the household while he recovers.
Courts said there will be difficult days ahead, but that he’s preparing himself for the work required.
Great Support from the community
“Back in 1983 I had a bike accident… Lost my right leg below the knee. Wearing a prosthesis and still riding. Don’t give up!” wrote Christopher Tong, reflecting the resilience so many riders admire in one another.
Everett Pringle added, “No time to react… stay strong and do the therapy no matter how much it sucks, we’ll both be back on two wheels soon enough.”
Fans and fellow motorcyclists alike emphasized the importance of patience and rehabilitation.
Rod Snyder encouraged Courts, writing, “Motorcyclists aren’t normal people, you’ve got this, put in the work and you’ll be fine.”
Meanwhile, Ken Kemper shared a similar journey of recovery from a near head-on collision: “Broken femur, tibia and fibula, broken ribs, collapsed lung and loss of a finger. Just now getting around on crutches and returning to the gym. The body is an amazing thing in how it can heal.”
Many noted that the mental recovery can be just as significant as the physical.
John Hubbard commented, “Having survived some trauma similar I can tell you the mind denies reality. Work on realizing who you now are, not who you were.”
Vic Schmeltz added, “It took me two months. Concussion, two broken ribs, swollen knee, blood in the lungs… Praying for you and your family. Hang in there — one day at a time.”
The messages highlighted the tight-knit and supportive nature of the motorcycling community.
From speed demons to weekend riders, fans echoed the same sentiment: patience, persistence, and a positive mindset are key. Taylor Robert summed it up simply: “That’ll buff out!” while Andrew Angus advised, “Do what they say when it comes to your physio. Sometimes it’s hard work. Good luck and Godspeed.”
Even those outside the immediate community felt compelled to weigh in.
Steven Mulkey, who also survived a major crash, wrote, “It wasn’t nearly as bad as yours. It took a while… the mental scars will take longer, but one day you’ll stop and realize that you haven’t thought about those old pains all day. Be strong!”
Others offered practical advice for recovery. Ian Shedden recommended healing peptides, Samuel Jernigen shared insights on enduring severe talus injuries, and Kyle Murphy celebrated small milestones.
“I just put my foot down for the first time in 2.5 months. Feels good. Will be back in the saddle before the new year for sure.”
Throughout the flood of messages, the overarching tone remained one of hope, support, and reassurance. Joseph Grace encouraged him with a simple, heartfelt cheer: “Ohhh snap Zack! Get well bro. Ride it like you stole it.”
Travis Stoner, an orthopedic surgeon, added a professional perspective, emphasizing both care and optimism: “Hang in there. The human body has amazing healing capability… I will pray for God’s healing for you, and that you are able to ride again, if that is what you choose.”
As of now, Courts continues to focus on recovery, supported by a dedicated fan base and fellow riders who have shared their own stories of overcoming life-altering crashes.
From across the globe, messages like those from Demetre Paniashvili in Finland, “Everything f***ing possible Zach, you will achieve everything you want… get well brother”.
These messages serve as reminders of the reach and impact of the Courts’ work in the motorcycle community.
While the timeline for his return to the saddle remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Courts has the resilience, support, and determination to make a full recovery.
Fans, peers, and the motorcycling community alike eagerly await the next chapter in the life of a rider who has inspired so many.
