Witnessing a motorcycle accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. In such a situation, it is essential to know what to do to help the injured parties and ensure that any legal issues are handled properly. This article will discuss what to do after witnessing a motorcycle accident to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible.
Stay Calm and Safe
Staying calm and safe means staying out of harm's way and avoiding any potential danger, such as oncoming traffic or spilled fuel. If the witness is driving, they must pull over to a safe spot and turn on their hazard lights. It is best to do this away from the vehicles involved to prevent further accidents.
Call for Help
If the accident is serious or there are injuries, the witness should immediately call 911. Then, they must provide the dispatcher with the location of the accident, the number of people involved, and a brief description of what happened. If they do not have a phone, they must ask someone nearby to call for help.
Assess the Situation
The witness can also approach the accident scene and assess the situation if it's safe to do so. They should look for any injuries and determine if anyone needs immediate medical attention, as these accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries. Then, they could try to provide assistance to the injured parties without moving them, as moving them can cause further injury. However, if they witness a motorcycle crash and lack the experience to help, they must wait until the emergency crews arrive.
Provide Information
If the police arrive at the scene, the witness must provide them with any information they have about the accident. This includes their name, contact information, and a statement about what they saw and the vehicles involved. It is crucial to be as detailed as possible and provide any relevant information that could help with the investigation.
It could also help to locate additional witnesses, make sure the police report gets filled out, and provide as many pictures as possible.
Gather Evidence
Then, the witness could take photos and videos of the accident scene, including the vehicle and any injuries the parties involved sustained. This can help with any potential legal claims and provide valuable investigation evidence.
Talk to the Parties Involved
If it is safe to do so, the witness must speak with the parties involved in the accident and provide them with any information that could be helpful.
Seek Legal Advice
Suppose someone witnessed a motorcycle accident and has been contacted by the parties involved or their insurance companies. In that case, it is important to seek legal advice before providing statements or signing documents.
Motorcycle Crash Statistics in Dallas
Motorcycle crashes are common in Dallas, Texas, and the statistics are concerning. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were 1,856 motorcycle crashes in Dallas County in 2019 alone. These crashes resulted in 1,635 injuries and 32 fatalities.
Furthermore, between 2015 and 2019, there were 8,232 motorcycle crashes in Dallas County. These crashes resulted in 7,199 injuries and 221 fatalities. This means that, on average, there were 1,646 motorcycle crashes, 1,440 injuries, and 44 fatalities per year in Dallas County during this period.
The statistics also reveal that motorcycle crashes are more likely to result in serious injuries or death than other motor vehicle crashes. In 2019, the fatality rate for motorcycle crashes in Texas was 1.46 per 100 million miles traveled, compared to 0.90 for passenger cars.
Moreover, TxDOT data also shows that most motorcycle crashes in Dallas County occur in urban areas and are more likely to occur during the daytime and on weekdays. Speeding and failure to yield the right of way are among the top contributing factors in motorcycle crashes in Dallas County.
It is important to note that these statistics are not meant to discourage motorcyclists from riding but rather to highlight the importance of safe riding practices and awareness of the risks involved.
Motorcyclists can take steps to reduce their risk of being involved in a crash, such as wearing protective gear, obeying traffic laws, and being aware of their surroundings.
If someone has been involved in a motorcycle crash in Dallas, seeking legal representation from an experienced motorcycle accident attorney is important. They can help the victim understand their legal rights and options and work with them to seek compensation for any injuries and damages suffered in the crash.
In conclusion, the motorcycle crash statistics in Dallas are concerning and highlight the need for increased awareness and safe riding practices. Motorcyclists and other drivers should be aware of the risks involved and take steps to prevent crashes from occurring. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also answer questions like, "What is the no zone motorcycle?"
How to Deal with an Injured Person in Motorcycle Accidents
Dealing with an injured person in a motorcycle accident can be a challenging and stressful situation. However, there are steps people can take to provide assistance and help ensure that the injured person receives appropriate medical care.
Contact Emergency Services
The first step in dealing with an injured person in a motorcycle accident is to call 911 or the emergency services in the area. Then, the caller must describe the situation to the dispatcher and provide the location of the accident and any information they have about the injured person's condition.
Assess the Victim
If it is safe to do so, they must approach the injured rider and assess their condition to eliminate all immediate danger. Something to look out for is signs of bleeding, broken bones, or other internal injuries. However, the witness should be cautious not to move the person unless necessary, as moving them may worsen their injuries.
Provide Comfort and Reassurance
The injured person could be in shock or frightened, so it is important to provide comfort and reassurance until the police arrive. Furthermore, the witness must stay with the person and let them know that emergency services are coming.
Control Bleeding
If the injured rider is bleeding, the witness could try to control the bleeding by applying pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage. They should also elevate the affected area above the heart's level to slow the bleeding.
Don't Remove the Helmet
However, if the injured person is wearing a helmet, no one should remove it unless it is necessary for medical treatment. Removing a helmet can cause further injury, especially if the person has a neck or spinal injury.
Provide First Aid
If the witness is trained in first aid, they could provide basic medical assistance to the injured rider before medical professionals arrive. This can include performing CPR, rescue breaths, or stabilizing broken bones.
Provide Information
When emergency responders arrive, the witness must provide them with as much information as possible about the injured person's condition, including any relevant medical history or allergies.
Dealing with an injured rider in a motorcycle accident requires a calm and focused approach. By providing appropriate assistance, witnesses can help ensure that the injured person receives the care they need and increase their chances of recovery.
Why Should People Have a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?
There are several reasons why people involved in motorcycle accidents should seek the services of a motorcycle accident lawyer:
Knowledge and Experience
A motorcycle accident lawyer has the necessary knowledge and experience to deal with the complexities of motorcycle accident cases. They understand the legal procedures and know how to handle the insurance companies to ensure their clients receive the compensation they deserve.
Protecting Legal Rights
These motorcycle accident attorneys in Dallas TX can also help protect the legal rights of their clients. They can provide legal advice and representation to ensure that their clients are not taken advantage of by insurance companies and that their client's interests are protected.
Maximizing Compensation
A motorcycle accident lawyer can help clients receive maximum compensation for injuries and damages. They can calculate the damages, negotiate with the insurance company, and work to ensure that their clients receive the maximum compensation possible.
Proving Liability
It might be difficult to establish liability in a motorcycle accident lawsuit. A motorcycle accident attorney may assist with assembling evidence, conducting an investigation, and determining who is to blame for the accident. Additionally, they can assist in proving the other party was negligent, which is necessary to win a personal injury lawsuit and receive compensation.
Peace of Mind
The experience of being in a motorbike accident can be unpleasant and stressful. Therefore, once the client hires a motorcycle accident attorney, they can concentrate on their healing and forget about managing the legal parts of the case.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, witnessing a motorcycle accident can be a traumatic experience, but it is vital to remain calm, assess the situation, and provide assistance as needed. After someone witnesses a motorcycle crash, they must call for help, give information to the police, gather evidence, and seek legal advice if necessary. By taking these steps, all witnesses can help ensure that the motorcycle accident victim receives the care they need and that any legal issues are handled appropriately.
On the other hand, for the injured rider to not receive further harm, they should also call a personal injury lawyer who can take care of their motorcycle crash case. Luckily, the Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys are always ready to go to war for you!
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