Motor Bike Accidents: Injuries, Treatment, Recovery

Are you a bike enthusiast who loves going on long rides? As a motorbike rider, you also have certain responsibilities to ensure safety for yourself and others.  Every year, thousands of people suffer injuries from bike accidents, which can be reduced or avoided with proper knowledge and precautions. Understanding the common injuries, first aid response, and safety measures can drastically improve outcomes for everyone. It is crucial not only for riders but also for passersby who witness accidents on the roads. Let us explore ways of addressing the situation in case of any mishap:

What to Do After a Bike Fall?

When you accidentally fall from your bike or witness a bike fall, there are a few crucial steps you can take to prevent further damage and minimise the impact of injuries. Here is a step-by-step guide to follow in case of a mishap:

Guide For Victims

Do the following if you are not seriously injured in the accident and can manage things yourself.

• Assess Injuries: Immediately check yourself for any signs of injury. Serious injuries, such as bleeding or fractures, require urgent medical attention. Avoid moving if you suspect spinal injuries to prevent further harm, and wait for medical help.
• Secure the Area: Move to a safe location away from traffic. Use your bike or any other means to signal other travellers about the road condition, warning them to reduce speed to reduce the risk of further accidents.
• Document the Scene: Take photographs of the accident scene and the damages. Note details of how the accident occurred and collect contact information from witnesses. This information will be essential for insurance claims and legal matters.

• Report the Incident: Notify the local police and file an accident report, which will be required for insurance and legal purposes.
• Inspect Your Bike: Check your bike for damage before riding again. Look for issues with the brakes, tires, and handlebars. If the bike is unsafe to ride, arrange for transportation to a repair shop or home.

What Witnesses Can Do?

• Prevent Shock: Keep the injured person warm and calm. Shock can occur even from seemingly minor injuries and can be life-threatening.
• First Aid Actions:
• Stop Bleeding: If there are any bleeding wounds, apply firm pressure to the spot with a clean cloth or bandage. Wear gloves if available to reduce the risk of infection.
• Clear Airway Obstructions: If the person struggles to breathe due to an obstruction, attempt to clear their airway carefully. Do this only if you are confident in your ability to help without causing further harm.
• Check for Consciousness and Breathing: If someone is unconscious, check for breathing and a pulse. Begin CPR only if you are trained, but after calling for emergency help.
• Handle With Care: Move an injured person only in cases of immediate danger like fire, and stabilise the neck and back while moving.
• Seek Help: Call for emergency services without delay. Be clear and precise about the location and the nature of the victim's injuries.
• Provide Witness Information: Offer your contact details to the victims and the authorities for future reference in legal or insurance matters.

Possible Injuries in Bike Accidents

Bike accidents can result in a diverse range of injuries, and they vary greatly in severity and long-term impact. Let us take a closer look —

• Head Injuries

(i) Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Riders may suffer head injuries ranging from mild concussions to severe brain damage even with a helmet. Symptoms include confusion, vomiting, headaches, and temporary loss of consciousness.

(ii) Intracranial Hematomas: Severe impacts can cause blood clots inside the skull, which are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

• Spinal Cord Injuries

Fractures and Dislocations: The spine can suffer from fractures or dislocations after a high-impact crash. It can potentially lead to permanent paralysis or other neurological impairments.

• Facial Injuries

(i) Fractures: Impacts can lead to broken noses, jawbones, or cheekbones, sometimes resulting in disfigurement.

(ii) Dental Injuries: Lost or broken teeth may require surgical intervention or long-term dental repair.

• Limb Injuries

(i) Fractures: Arms, legs, wrists, and collarbones are particularly vulnerable. Simple fractures that need casting, while complex ones often need surgery.

(ii) Road Rash: Skin abrasions caused by sliding on the pavement range from superficial to severe, requiring medical care.

• Additional Injury Insights

(i) Broken Bones: Bones like the pelvis, femur, and ribs are prone to breaking, often leading to internal injuries.

(ii) Compartment Syndrome: Pressure build-up in muscle compartments can decrease blood flow and may require surgical intervention.

First Aid Tips After a Bike Accident

Providing first aid to the victim following a motorbike accident is critical. Here is how to do it properly —

• Control Bleeding:

(i) Apply firm pressure using a clean cloth or bandage.

(ii) Elevate the injured body part above heart level if possible to reduce blood flow to the area.

• Prevent Shock:

Keep the injured person warm with blankets and reassure them to minimise trauma-induced shock.

• Handle Fractures and Dislocations:

Use splints or slings to immobilise the area. Avoid attempting to realign dislocated joints or compound fractures.

• Manage Cuts and Grazes:

(i) Rinse wounds with clean water or cover them with a sterile dressing to prevent infection.

(ii) Cover the cleaned wound with a sterile, non-adherent dressing to protect it from infection.

• Manage Head Injuries:

(i) Keep the injured person still and quiet. Call emergency services if symptoms like confusion or vomiting appear.

(ii) CPR: Perform CPR only if you are trained, and it is necessary—when the injured person is not breathing or their heart has stopped.

Motor Bike Safety Tips

Safety should be your top priority when riding. Here are some practical tips to ensure your rides are enjoyable and safe:

• Maintain safe distances from other vehicles to allow reaction time.
• Wear proper gear, including helmets and reflective clothing, for visibility and protection.
• Adhere to traffic rules, avoiding sudden stops and over-speeding.
• Regularly maintain your bike, checking brakes, tyres, and lights.
• Avoid distractions like mobile phones while riding.
• Be mindful of road conditions such as potholes and wet surfaces.
• Respect pedestrians and give way at crossings.

Conclusion

Riding a motorbike involves certain risks, but being well-prepared and informed can help minimise their likelihood and impact. While equipping yourself with the right gear and knowledge is essential to prevent or protect yourself against accidents, two wheeler insurance is also equally important to have a cushion of safety. It covers repair costs, theft, and other losses, offering you peace of mind. Two-wheeler insurance also provides liability protection, covering expenses related to damages or injuries caused to others in an accident. Remember, true safety means not only preventing accidents but also being prepared for unexpected situations.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.