Motorcycle accidents are much more likely to result in injuries than crashes that involve only passenger cars. Even with all the right gear, a seemingly minor accident can leave a rider needing long-term medical care or even suffering from a permanent disability. Acting fast could make the difference when it comes to medical prognosis, so all riders should know what to do first when they are injured on their bikes.
1. Get to Someplace Safe
After someone is injured on a motorcycle, the first step should be to get to someplace safe, which usually means out of the road and away from traffic. This rule of thumb only applies if there’s no chance of neck or back injuries, though. If a rider may have an injured spinal column, the better solution is to ask a volunteer to control traffic and keep the cars away until medical help arrives.
2. Call for Help
Once everyone involved in the accident is safely out of the way of moving traffic, it’s time to call 9-1-1. Keep the phone on until first responders arrive. An ambulance will almost always respond to a call about an accident involving a motorcycle, so expect to be checked out by EMTs or paramedics. Riders who have sustained severe injuries will need to be taken to the hospital, while those with only minor injuries should stay at the scene and file a police report when the authorities arrive.
3. Stay Calm
It’s important to stay calm while waiting for help to arrive, especially for riders who may have sustained serious injuries. If there are people nearby, it can help to have someone to talk to. It’s also a good idea to share basic information such as name, address, and a relative’s contact number so that the EMTs will know who to contact if the rider passes out from his or her injuries.
4. Always Seek Medical Care
Even riders who feel that they haven’t been severely injured and get the OK from EMTs to stay at the scene instead of taking an ambulance to the emergency room should still seek a full medical evaluation right away. Some types of motorcycle injuries occur internally without any external symptoms, and not all riders show signs of serious injuries immediately following a crash. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so head to a doctor or an urgent care clinic right away.
5. Consult a Lawyer
Once a rider has received the medical care required to ensure personal safety and health, it’s time to start reaching out to local lawyers. The best time to hire a motorcycle attorney is as soon as possible after the accident when all of the details are still fresh in victims’ and witnesses’ minds. Every rider involved in a crash should seek legal advice before speaking with the responsible driver’s insurance company and accepting a settlement, even if he or she does not plan to sue for damages.
Facilitate a Full Recovery
Motorcycle injuries range in severity from minor road rash to broken bones, internal bleeding, and even traumatic brain injuries. Riders may need weeks, months, or even years of ongoing medical care. The best way for an accident victim to increase the chances of making a full recovery is to seek care immediately and speak with a lawyer about getting the compensation required to pay for advanced medical treatments.