One of the deadliest things created by humans on this planet today is traffic. And, due to this increased traffic, the rise in traffic accidents has been exponential.
Traffic accidents are those mishaps which happen by a hairsbreadth, owing to either irresponsibility of the drivers or their bad luck. In spite of the hefty measures and cautions, these accidents do happen frequently. And, the most crash-prone drivers amongst these accidents are the bikers.
When it comes to facing severe fatal injuries during accidents, bikers top the list due to the minimal surrounding protection as compared to that of four wheelers. According to a report from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, every year, more than 4.5 lakh accidents occur on the streets of India.
Owing to the statistics and the conditions of the road, it is imperative that every rider be cautious and aware to avoid such a possibility. However, even if such an eventuality strikes, here are some pointers on how to handle the situation if you are in an accident.
Step 1: Check Yourself and Others for Injury
The foremost thing to do when you are in an accident is to check yourself and others involved for injuries. It is essential to focus on significant injuries that you or the other person has sustained.
If you are bleeding, try to stop the bleeding until medical help arrives. On the other hand, if you see the other person unconscious or having a problem breathing, try giving them CPR.
Step 2: Call for Medical Assistance
If you are conscious and in a steady condition, the next thing you must do is to call for medical assistance. Till the help arrives, try to help the injured people, by taking them to the side of the road.
Moreover, ask if anyone in public is a trained medical professional. If there is one, ask them to help the injured people.
Step 3: Call the Police
Once you have called for medical assistance, the next step is to get the police to the scene of the accident as soon as possible. If there has been property damage or any significant damage, be sure to file an FIR.
The police report can be crucial in your efforts to recover the losses incurred on your bike. Once you let the police officers know, make sure that you take the responding officer’s name and number. Moreover, the record kept by police can also be used as a reference later.
Step 4: Take Note of Your Surroundings
When you are in an accident, documenting the scene may be difficult. But if you are in a steady condition, try to take note of as much information as you can get. This includes the location, time, and how the accident took place.
If you can, take pictures of the scene, note the road conditions, speed limit, weather conditions, direction of travel, and the vehicles involved.
Step 5: Call Your Insurance Company
Once you have documented the scene and received medical attention, call your insurance company. Be ready to provide all the information you have gathered for easy understanding of the situation.
Remember this; do not hide any details from your insurance company. If your agent asks for details on the injuries or damages on the bike, provide this information after complete check-up of both your health and bike.
Always Put Your Safety First
For most bike riders, the open roads represent freedom. With endless possibilities on streets, it becomes easy to get caught up in the romanticism of riding fast.
However, the reality is different. Riding a bike on Indian streets comes with its own set of dangers. And while, you cannot avoid these dangers altogether, there are few precautionary steps you can take to reduce the damages, which include:
- Wearing bike gear
- Following traffic rules and regulations
- Riding at a safe speed
Moreover, to attain better financial security from the threat on the road, it is crucial that you have comprehensive motorcycle insurance.
A comprehensive motorcycle insurance policy provides you a plethora of benefits such as third-party liability cover and personal accident cover. In addition, reputable insurers like TATA AIG General Insurance also offer add-ons such as depreciation cover and return of invoice benefit to offer comprehensive cover to their customers.