What to Do in Case You Get Hurt Riding a Motorcycle

Motorcycles account for 3% of registered vehicles in the US but are disproportionately represented in accident stats. Motorcycle fatalities increased by 1% between 2021 and 2022, with6,218 deaths recorded in 2022.

 While riding a motorcycle can be an enjoyable and liberating experience, it does come with risks, and motorcycle accidents can often lead to severe injuries. Knowing what to do if you get hurt while riding your motorcycle can help minimize further harm and get you the medical attention you need as quickly as possible.

Chris Hammons, an experiencedOklahoma City motorcycle accident lawyer, shares what you should do after getting hurt in amotorcycle accident:

Assess the Situation After The Motorcycle  Accident

If you are in an accident, the first thing to do is to remain calm and assess the situation. Look around and ensure you are not in immediate danger of being hit by oncoming traffic. If your motorcycle is on the road, try to move it to the shoulder. If you can't move it yourself, ask any uninjured people around you for help getting you and the motorcycle out of harm's way.

Check Yourself for Injuries After the Motorcycle Accident,

Do a quick check of your body to determine if you have any severe injuries. Are you having trouble breathing or experiencing intense pain anywhere? Is there excessive bleeding? Checking yourself first helps you understand the severity of the injuries so you can then prioritize getting help.

After an Accident, You Should Call for Help

If your injuries are very serious, call 911 immediately. Describe the accident scene to the dispatcher and specify your injuries so paramedics have as many details as possible when they arrive. If you are alone and unable to make the call, try to flag down a passerby to assist you.

If you do not seem to have life-threatening injuries, still consider calling 911, as the adrenaline in your system may be masking the true extent of the damage. Alternatively, you can call a friend or family member to come pick you up and take you to receive medical care. But do not try to tough it out or downplay your injuries - seek professional help.

Protect Yourself Until Help Arrives

While waiting for help, do not try to move too much, as this could worsen injuries like spinal damage or broken bones – there are around54 cases per million people each year in the US. Avoid removing your helmet or any other gear unless you have to in order to breathe, as doing so can increase blood loss. Try to remain as still as possible while keeping yourself visible to responders. Wave your arms to attract attention if needed.

Provide First Aid Care if You’re Trained

If you have first aid training, provide any care you can safely use, like applying pressure to bleeding wounds or immobilizing injured limbs. Offer assistance to injured parties if you can, but do not do anything beyond your training.

Exchange Information with The Other Parties Involved

If any other vehicles were involved, try to gather their license plate numbers, driver's names, and insurance information.

Get Checked Thoroughly By a Medical Experts

Once you are transported for medical care, insist on being examined thoroughly. Let physicians know every part of your body that may have sustained impact so they can diagnose accurately. Be candid about the details of the motorcycle accident and any pains you experience.

Speak to a Local Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If the accident was caused by someone else, speak to a motorcycle accident attorney about seeking compensation for your injuries.

Riding a motorcycle comes with unavoidable risks, but knowing how to respond after an accident helps minimize further harm. Staying calm, alerting emergency responders, seeking thorough medical evaluation, and following the doctor's orders can all maximize your chances of making a full recovery after a motorcycle injury.

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