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Do not place yourself at risk. The fallen rider should be encouraged to remain still initially, provided they are not in traffic or at further risk. Do not remove their helmet, and advise them to keep it on until professional medical help arrives. Ask questions if they are conscious. Phone the emergency services if the injuries require medical help from paramedics. Encouraging the rider to be open and honest about discomfort is important. Not disclosing discomfort may deny them vital care. Remember, shock often masks pain or hides medical difficulty, so getting them checked out by a qualified medical responder is recommended after any impact.
Check the rider for any signs of injuries. A First Aid course has value to all aspects of life to help yourself and others. Often the adrenaline from the injured person can mask pain, cause anger or reduce communication. The quieter, and less responsive the rider is, the more important it is to keep talking with them until help arrives.
Remember; Shock can be delayed. This applies to you and the rider. There are situations where a witness may obtain help via insurance. Speak with MAG Legal if you have been affected.
Photo by John Cameron on Unsplash
You should always phone the police immediately if:
- The other driver leaves or attempts to leave the scene without giving any details.
- You suspect that the other driver doesn’t have any insurance.
- You suspect that the other driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- You suspect that the other driver caused the collision deliberately
Photos & Witness
- If the scene is safe, and you feel able to, take pictures on your phone, or ask a witness for help if you are staying with the rider. Take as many photos as you can detailing the vehicles and their positions plus damage to them. Numberplates and wide-angle shots to show where the accident occurred. We rely upon evidence. Good photographic or video capture of time, place, and road position, can be vital after the accident.
- Witness statements are vital too. Never forget the rider’s welfare while doing this, you may need to network for help and instruct others at the scene.
- Names, phone numbers, and email addresses of all witnesses.
- All license plate numbers of vehicles involved.
- Name and badge number of any police officers.
- Record the exact time and date of the accident.
- Driving conditions: These include the conditions and quality of the road, current weather conditions, and lighting conditions. Was there anything on the road, for example, petrol or disease spills, mud etc?
- What damage occurred to each vehicle: Try to note what damage occurred on each vehicle, for example, the wing mirror and so forth. Photographs will usually help with this.
- Record any injuries: These can be the rider’s injuries, the driver’s injuries as well as any injuries to pedestrians. This evidence can be critical for the injured parties to get support later.
- On-bike camera footage or the Dash-Cam footage from other vehicles is highly valuable. Request email addresses for copies of any video material relevant to the crash so you can pass this on to the rider.
(Mag Legal and Mag Legacy are trading styles of Smooth Law Limited. ) Smooth Law Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority (SRA no. 619610)