What You Can Do At the Scene of a Motorcycle Accident Before Help Arrives in Omaha, Nebraska
Even the most well-trained rider can find him or herself in a motorcycle accident. In many instances, the accident isn’t even the rider’s fault. Sometimes drivers making a left-hand turn fail to look for motorcyclists. Other times, riders encounter debris or gravel on roadways that can create a hazardous situation. When an accident occurs and someone gets hurt, it is always important to call for help and to call to make a police report. However, even if you are involved in a crash in an urban area, it can still take some time for help to arrive. What can you do at the scene of a motorcycle accident before help arrives? What steps can you do to prepare yourself as a rider for an accident? Rensh & Rensch Law is a motorcycle accident law firm in Omaha, Nebraska that works with individuals who have been seriously hurt in motorcycle accidents. Our attorneys can help you and your loved ones seek damages for your losses and can negotiate with insurance adjusters to help you get the settlement you may deserve under the law.
Your Responsibilities at the Scene of a Motorcycle Accident in Omaha, Nebraska
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Omaha, Nebraska, there are certain things you may be legally required to do. Never leave the scene of an accident. Leaving the scene of an accident without calling for help, exchanging contact information with the other driver, or providing assistance to an injured rider is against the law and can result in hit and run charges.
The scene of a motorcycle accident can be confusing and can be a highly stressful situation. Individuals might be injured. If you are not a doctor, you may not know what to do next. If you have been in a motorcycle accident, the first step you should take is to call 911. Emergency personnel on the phone are trained to assess the situation and can guide you on the steps you can take to help a person who may have been injured.
Of course, if an injured person is in immediate danger at the accident scene, it is important to use your common sense. While it is a good idea to NOT move a victim after an accident occurs, because he or she could be suffering from a spinal injury, and moving the victim can cause more damage, sometimes individuals fall in the middle of busy roadways, or are injured near burning vehicles. If you cannot immediately block the roadway to prevent cars from hitting the victim or if you need to take steps to prevent further accidents from occurring, you may need to get the victim out of harm’s way. In other instances, individuals might see that a vehicle is smoking or that it may burst into flames. In this case, getting a victim to safety is good common sense. Finally, it can’t be stressed enough how important it is to use common sense when rendering aid. If helping a person would put you in harm’s way, it is important to take steps to protect your safety, too. Think of the flight attendant’s metaphor. Don’t put on someone else’s air mask until you have put on your own first.
These are just some things to consider before help arrives. The best thing you can do is call 911 and follow instructions provided over the phone, while also taking steps at the accident scene to ensure everyone’s safety is provided for. After injuries are treated and every person is safe, then you can ask follow-up questions. For example, if you can, exchange contact information with others at the scene of the crash, take photos of the crash scene, your injuries, and your vehicle. Contact your insurance company to report the motorcycle accident. And finally, if you were seriously injured, you may want to reach out to a motorcycle accident lawyer at Rensch & Rensch Law in Omaha, Nebraska. Our attorneys can review your case, identify negligent parties, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight to help you get the best possible settlement permitted under the law.
Seek Help Following a Motorcycle Accident Today
In the confusion and chaos of a motorcycle accident scene, individuals can sometimes get confused and miss important steps. If this happens, you are not alone. The adrenaline and stress of the accident scene can be difficult for anyone to handle. If you have questions about your rights after a motorcycle accident, Rensch & Rensch Law is a motorcycle accident law firm in Omaha, Nebraska that may be able to help you. Our firm can review police reports, offer you an honest assessment of your case, and help you with the next steps. You are not alone. Reach out to Rensch & Rensch Law or connect with USAttorneys.com to get matched with our lawyers today.