7 Tips to Keep in Mind in Case of a Bike Accident

7 Tips to Remember in Case of a Bike Accident

The alarming increase in death and disability due to bike accidents is a matter of great concern in India. The Traffic Board announced 199 fatal accident-related deaths in 2021 as compared to 143 in 2020. Despite COVID-19 restrictions for almost 5 months and corporates & offices allowing work from home, the number is still high.

Although, poor roads and rash driving are some of the main reasons behind the rising number of deaths. But being extra cautious can help you get out of this stressful situation. Below we have enlisted valuable tips to prepare you if you're ever get involved in a bike accident.

1. Prevention is Better Than Cure

When we say prevention is better than cure, it means it is always better to take preventive measures to avoid problems from happening instead of dealing with its consequences afterward. Therefore, it is mandatory to wear a good helmet and safety gear while riding. Along with it, buy a bike which you can easily ride. Do not choose a bike based on its appearance or heavy build-up.

Check the weather forecast before leaving home. Otherwise, you might get stuck in an unwanted situation due to foggy or rainy weather conditions. Additionally, do not forget to carry essential documents like a bike registration certificate, driving license, third-party bike insurance & PUC to avoid hefty penalties and follow the safety measures.

2. Ensure Everyone is Safe

Before rushing to other things, ensure everyone is safe involved in the crash, including the third party. If someone is hurt, unresponsive, unsure, or unstable, seek medical help immediately. Sometimes, injuries can be internal, so it is always better to be safe and get hospitalized if needed. If it is confirmed that everyone is okay, you and the third party should relocate to the footpath as soon as possible to avoid any other danger.

3. Keep the First-aid Handy

While travelling for work or heading on a long journey, you must carry essentials like a first-aid kit. Scooters however have storage space under the seats, but when riding a bike, you will have to install a compartment box to keep this essential. If you meet with an accident, the first aid kit will help you with such emergencies. A first-aid kit must include a cotton roll, bottle of dettol, crepe bandages, band-aid, ointment cream, pain relief spray, scissors, etc. 

4. Call the Police and Report an FIR 

After ensuring everyone is safe in the accident, call the local police. It is always the best decision to inform the police about the accident. When they arrive, explain the situation and fill out a form for raising an FIR. Provide the information of the accident, place & time, and third-party details. Also, give them an explanation of injuries caused to both and property damage for raising a claim against third-party bike insurance.

Never leave the place of the incident before the police officer arrives. Leaving the place before exchanging details and not notifying law enforcement is considered an offense and might lead to another trouble for you.

5. Take Photographs of the Accident Site

At the moment, you might not think about what to do next after all the chaos that just happened. But to be safe, take photographs of the accident scenes, damages to your bike & third-party vehicle, injuries caused to the driver, and some of the surrounding area. This will surely help you to raise a claim in the insurance policy for the bike. 

6. Intimate the Insurer

Report the accident to your insurer in detail. Also, provide the details about any third party/property damage caused due to the accident. Send them the photographs you have taken of the accident site. Your insurer will review them and check your insurance policy details to know the coverage.

Whether you have comprehensive bike insurance or third-party bike insurance, it is mandatory to buy personal accident cover with it. Personal accident cover in bike insurance will pay for the compensation amount in case of physical injuries, death, or any permanent disability of the person in case of an accident.

Along with it, they will ask for certain documents to raise a claim. It includes a signed duly filled claim form by the bike owner along with the registration certificate (RC) of the bike, driving license (DL), original tax receipts for the verification, proof of insurance policy for the bike, and an FIR copy in case of third-party damage.

Therefore, submit all of the mentioned necessary documents to your insurer timely. Later, your insurer will send a surveyor for a physical visit at the accident site and inspect the losses to your bike. The surveyor will take care of further work and help you in the hassle-free claim settlement process.

7. Do Not Panic

Be confident enough and do not discuss anything related to the accident with anyone except the police. No matter how emotional or anger you feel, admitting the guilt and sharing the details will make things difficult for you. Try to limit the information with the public and keep a humble discussion with the third party.

Let the police and your insurer decide the fault. Do not fabricate the story and only state facts about the accident otherwise your insurance premiums might go up or you might get involved in a court case. Therefore, it is advised to limit your emotions and be transparent with the police and insurer only.

Closing Lines 

Road accidents happen without a warning but  you can utilize the above-mentioned tips if you ever get involved in one. Always follow the traffic rules, avoid overspeeding, and carry essentials like a first-aid kit with you. Also, do not panic and inform the police & insurer of a hassle-free FIR and claim settlement process.