There were 8.8 million registered motorcycle users in 2023, but motorcycle riders also face serious risks, as a motorcycle accident can easily result in major injury – motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash. In such cases, speaking with a motorcycle accident lawyer, like Cole Mcniel, can be a crucial step in protecting your rights and pursuing compensation. It’s important for all motorcycle riders to know what to do in the aftermath of a motorcycle crash to protect their health and get the compensation they deserve. This article provides crucial information on the steps to take if you sustain injuries in a motorcycle accident.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Take a few deep breaths and try to quickly assess the severity of your injuries, as well as the situation around you. Are you in immediate danger of further injury? Is your motorcycle still in the roadway and a hazard to other drivers? Try to move yourself and your motorcycle out of any danger if you can do so without exacerbating your injuries.
Call for Help After a Motorcycle Accident
If your injuries are severe or you are unable to move out of danger, call for help immediately. If you have a cell phone with you, use it to dial emergency services. Provide clear details about your location and the nature of the accident so emergency responders can get to you quickly. If you are on a heavily traveled roadway, chances are good that a passerby will stop to assist you before emergency responders arrive. Accept help if it is offered, but don’t move your body more than necessary.
Stop Any Bleeding
If you are bleeding from lacerations or other wounds, your next priority is to stop the blood loss. Apply direct pressure to any heavily bleeding wounds using any fabric you have, such as a t-shirt or bandana. Elevate any bleeding limbs above the level of your heart if possible, as this will help slow blood flow. It can take as little as 2 minutes to bleed out if an artery is severed.
Check for Other Injuries
Once any major bleeding is under control, do a scan of your body to check for other potential injuries. Carefully move each limb and digit to check for fractures or dislocations – there are 6.3 million arm fractures recorded each year. Feel along the length of your spine and the back of your head for pain, as spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries are common in motorcycle accidents. Monitor your breathing closely as well. If you notice any difficulty breathing or coughing up blood, you may have suffered rib fractures or a punctured lung.
Keep Your Neck and Spine Immobile
One study found that 10.6% of riders not wearing helmets suffered cervical spinal injuries. If you suspect any injury to your head, neck or back, it is extremely important to keep your spine immobile until emergency responders can properly immobilize you. Move as little as possible and do not try to sit or stand up on your own. If you absolutely must move for safety reasons, log roll your entire body at once to avoid twisting motions on the spine. Wait for a neck brace and backboard to properly immobilize you before transportation.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Another important step is to contact an attorney as soon as possible after the crash. They can advise you on the legal process and ensure your rights are protected. If an accident happens, follow these steps to protect your health and receive fair compensation.