Motorcycles only make up 3% of all registered vehicles, but motorcyclists account for 14% of all traffic fatalities. Considering that you’re relatively unprotected compared to other motorists, it’s extremely easy to get into a life-changing accident.
You can do everything possible to prevent this from happening, such as wearing protective gear and riding defensively.
However, there may still come a time when you’re in a crash. So you need to be prepared.
Here’s what to do if you suffer a motorcycle accident head injury.
Assess the Situation
The first thing you need to do in a motorcycle accident is ensure that everyone’s safe.
If possible, move to a safe location that’s away from traffic. However, if you or someone is severely injured (beyond scrapes and cuts), don’t move unless absolutely necessary. Otherwise, you might exacerbate the head injury.
Call 911
Next, dial 911 immediately. Even if you feel ok, head injuries can be severe and dangerous, so you’ll want to be assessed ASAP. Plus, the medical professionals can examine everyone else too.
Another benefit of calling 911 is you’ll get an official police report from the authorities.
Protect the Head and Neck
As we’ve mentioned before, don’t move if you have a neck or head injury, as this can worsen any potential spinal injuries.
If you can, and if necessary, you should stabilize your head and neck by using your hands. This can help while you wait for medical help.
For noticeable bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. Don’t press directly on any skull fractures or depressions though.
Don’tremove the helmet either; the exception is if you need to perform life-saving procedures, such as CPR. Let the medical professionals remove it correctly so the injury doesn’t worsen.
Gather Information About the Crash
If you’re able to, gather information about the crash. Get someone to take photos and videos of the scene, including all the vehicles, the road conditions, and your motorcycle injury.
Not only is this information useful for medical professionals, but also for your insurance company and lawyer if you seek one out. Learn about local motorcycle permits here to understand if you’re following the law.
Hire a Lawyer
Things should be pretty straightforward if you let your insurance company handle the claim. However, it’s not uncommon to run into issues, especially with the other party’s insurance company.
If the head injury you’ve suffered has lasting effects, then it’s essential that you get fair compensation so you have a comfortable life ahead of you. This is especially true if the crash wasn’t your fault.
A lawyer will be able to take all the details of your case and be your advocate.
Recover From Your Motorcycle Accident Head Injury
A motorcycle accident head injury can be quite serious. In some cases, you can end up with lasting disabilities that’ll impact your quality of life.
This is why it’s vital that you seek medical attention promptly and hire an attorney if necessary. This ensures that you won’t have to struggle while recovering from a serious injury.
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