Happening upon the scene of a motorcycle accident can cause your heart to rise up into your throat. Being the first one to the scene of a motorcycle accident may mean you are subject to witnessing a horrific scene. For many who arrive at the scene of an accident, you may be unsure of what steps you should take to help. The reality is, the help of a good samaritan at the scene of an accident can prove invaluable to those at the scene. Here are some helpful steps for those who witness an accident or, are the first to arrive at the scene:
Step #1 Call 911
If you notice an accident, gather as much information as possible and call 911. Emergency services will be able to immediately dispatch emergency responders. Be sure to note your location and key details regarding the accident, including the condition of the victims.
Step #2 Your Safety
Although your first instinct may be to help accident victims as quickly as possible, it’s important that a good samaritan first consider their own safety. Never put yourself in harms way. You only increase the risk that there will be another casualty at the accident. Prior to approaching the scene, make sure that it is safe enough to do so.
Step #3 Park Some Distance Away
There are a few reasons a good samaritan should park some distance away from the accident scene. You need to be able to provide space between your vehicle and the accident, while also pulling far enough out of the way to ensure that you do not block the flow of traffic. Most importantly, emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks and law enforcement, have large vehicles that take up a lot of space. They will need to get as close to the accident as possible. This is a key way you can help when providing assistance at the scene.
Step #4 Turn On Your Hazard Lights
When you pull up to the accident scene, you will need to pull your vehicle off to the side of the road. Once you have secured your vehicle, turn your hazard lights on. This may help to avoid a collision with another vehicle. Hazard lights will also notify oncoming traffic that there may be hazardous conditions ahead.
Step #5 Do Not Move the Victim
Do not move a victim unless they are in a location that could result in further harm. Motorcycle accidents can often mean that victims have suffered substantial injuries. Moving a victim may cause injuries to worsen. When there is no imminent risk for further injury, it’s best that they stay put.
Step #6 Do Not Remove the Motorcyclists Helmet
Always keep the accident victim’s helmet on. Although it may be tempting to remove their helmet to assess injuries, and communicate with them more easily, this could cause more harm. In the event the victim has an injury to the spinal cord, it could only worsen their condition.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call 434-817-3100
Knowing what to do at the scene of an accident may be key to ensuring that accident victims receive the help they need. For victims of motorcycle accidents, the ramifications that come with an accident can be life altering. If you have been in an accident, obtaining the assistance you require with a motorcycle accident lawyer Salt Lake City, UT offers may help you come out on top.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at Rasmussen & Miner for their insight into personal injury claims and steps to take if you witnessed a motorcycle accident.
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