If you are knocked unconscious during an accident or are otherwise unable to give a coherent statement, it may take time for a first responder to determine the type of help that you need. At the very least, it is important keep an ID card or a driver’s license in your wallet or somewhere on your person whenever you ride.
However, you may want to consider using an ID bracelet just in case your wallet is nowhere near you. A wrist bracelet should have your name, emergency contacts and any medical conditions that you may suffer from on it. In lieu of something to put on your wrist, you could also keep this information taped on your helmet or secured to your body by another means.
2. A Camera and/or Recording Device
After an accident, it is important to be able to prove that the other driver was at fault or some other form of negligence led to your injuries. One of the easiest ways to do this is take pictures of the accident scene or to record a video of the scene after the crash.
While some people might use an old iPod or iPad, you may want something more durable like a GoPro that is designed for use during physical activity and is more likely to survive a collision or any other type of accident on the road. If you ride with a GoPro, it is likely easier to record videos each time you ride your motorcycle. Although pictures may provide a lot of context when verifying your story, there is nothing that can replace the authenticity of watching an event unfold as it happened.
3. An Emergency Kit
Just because you aren’t seriously hurt in an accident doesn’t mean that there won’t be damage to your bike or debris strewn across the crash scene. Therefore, it may be a good idea to have road flares or cones that you can use to alert other riders or drivers of what’s ahead.
You may also want to have a cell phone handy that you can use to call for emergency help or simply a police officer to help control traffic while the scene is cleaned up. It may also be a good idea to bring a blanket, bottled water and snack bars that you can consume if you are in an accident in a rural location. Depending on the location of your crash, it might be hours before help can reach you, and these items will keep you warm, hydrated and full enough to survive until help arrives. Finally, it may be crucial to bring your medication or other basic supplies such as gauze or peroxide to help you keep wounds clean until you can get to a hospital.
While you never plan on getting in an accident, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be ready in case of emergency. It is important not to assume that emergency personnel can get to you quickly, or that you won’t need to gather evidence of the accident yourself to help build your case. Preparing for the worst-case scenario may be the reason you survive and are able to hold the person or entity that caused your injuries accountable.
Thanks to our friends and co-contributors from Cohen & Cohen, P.C. for their insight into motorcycle accident safety.