Motorcycle accidents are often terrifying and can cause fatal injuries or death. Motorcycles lack outer coverings and so, their structure exposes riders to greater risks in the event of a crash. If you witness an accident, your immediate trauma response might be to panic or even avoid the scene.
However, in this type of situation, you must realize that your reaction could determine whether someone else dies or lives. At that moment, you need to stay calm and assist the victims of the crash. Your ability to react responsibly can make a difference, so here are helpful actions you can perform at the scene of a motorcycle accident.
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Make Sure the Environment is Safe Before Approaching
If you’re terrified, take deep breaths or practice any calming technique that works for you. Being in a relaxed state makes it easier for you to think clearly and take the right steps. When you regain composure, check for possible signs of danger to avoid putting yourself at risk.
Examples of things to look out for include fuel leaks, fire risks, and even unstable vehicles that may cause an explosion. If the environment is safe, find a good parking spot and turn on your hazard lights to notify oncoming drivers that there’s danger ahead. You can also use flares or reflective triangles if possible.
Check on the Injured Persons and Assess their Situation
You can then step out and approach the scene of the crash. Your priority should be to check the condition of those involved in the accident. If anyone is injured, speak reassuringly and let the victim know you’ll get help.
However, don’t attempt to move them as you may unknowingly worsen their condition. The only exception is if leaving them puts them at greater risk. For example, if they’re on a highway with lots of traffic and the possibility of another crash or a fire outbreak, you can get them away from danger.
Contact Emergency Services Immediately
Not all accidents lead to injuries. Some collisions only result in property damage, so in these cases, you can call the police to make a report. Don’t hesitate to dial 911 if there are victims in bad physical condition, as motorcycle accident injuries are often intense.
When speaking to the operator, convey the most important information. State the location, list the number of people involved, and explain the nature of the injuries. Providing accurate information enables the operator to relay the right information to the dispatcher, who then sends the necessary authorities to the scene.
Offer Basic First Aid
You can help the victims before the paramedics and ambulance arrive. Simple actions like stopping heavy bleeding with clean clothes and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation often go a long way. But it’s important that you have the necessary training for this. If you don’t, wait for help to arrive.
Write Down Useful Information
Before the official responders arrive, try to recount the details of the accident if you witnessed it. Write down a descriptive narration, including specific information like the time of the crash, weather, direction of vehicles, and behavior of the drivers.
As an eyewitness, your observations are important as they can help insurers to assess liability in personal injury claims. Also, documenting what you saw can help you provide a proper witness statement in court.
Offer Post-Accident Support
Once you give your account to the official responders who take charge of the situation, you can leave. You have played your part in ensuring the safety of the victim(s). However, since they may need emotional support, you can decide to keep in touch with them. If you do, advise them to seek motorcycle accident injury help from a specialized attorney and also visit a therapist or counselor. Your compassion and guidance can aid their emotional recovery in the long run.
Endnote
If you witness a motorcycle accident, assess the environment before walking to the scene. If it’s safe, check how the victims are faring and call 911 for help. Before support arrives, offer first aid care if you can, and then note the details of the crash. You can leave after official responders arrive. However, if you’d like to take it a step further, consider offering post-accident support.
