Motorcyclist Hospitalized in I-35 Accident

According to a KSAT News report, a man was transported to the hospital after a motorcycle accident left him in critical condition.

Police reported the incident occurred just before 6 a.m. on Tuesday, October 10, on the northbound lanes of I-35 near Rittiman Road. It is unknown whether the rider fell off of his bike or was hit and left by a passing vehicle. He was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, and the highway was temporarily closed while police investigated the scene.

Did You Know?

An estimated 59% of deaths could be prevented by proper administration of first aid.

How to Help a Downed Motorcyclist

In this blog, we often discuss the penalties for failure to stop and render aid. It is a vital part of Texas law to remain at the scene of an accident and provide basic help to injured persons. But do you know how to render aid? Hopefully, you never have to, but it’s vital to be prepared.

In this post, we’ll cover basic first aid for a downed motorcyclist so you know what to do if you witness or are involved in a motorcycle accident in San Antonio.

Before You Begin First Aid

There is a useful acronym to learn and remember the steps to follow if you encounter a downed motorcyclist. PACT, which stands for:

• Prevent Further Injury
• Assess the Situation
• Contact EMS (9-1-1)
• Treat Injuries

It’s important to make sure the scene is safe and to properly assess the situation before attempting to provide first aid. Failure to do this will put yourself and the motorist in danger and will potentially worsen injuries.

Making sure the scene is safe can be done by turning on your hazard lights, turning off your engine, positioning your vehicle to block yourself and the cyclist from oncoming traffic, and putting out cigarettes. When assessing the situation, look for standing water, which may indicate hypothermia. Nearby rocks, high medians, or cliffsides may indicate blunt force trauma, which would cause internal injuries you can’t see.

After you have done these steps, call 9-1-1 and request EMS.

Motorcycle First Aid

Once EMS is on the way, you may begin first aid.

• Cover the victim with your jacket or a blanket if you have one.
• Encourage them to lay still in a comfortable position that doesn’t aggravate their injuries. Do not remove their helmet or move them unless their life depends on it, as this may worsen a spinal or neck injury.
• Apply even pressure on deep cuts or lacerations that are bleeding unless you see something stuck in the wound or bone protruding from the wound.
• If you suspect a spinal injury, use your hands to support the head on either side to prevent movement. Do not push or pull the head or move them to do this.
• Reassure them that help is on the way. Encourage them to remain calm and ask basic questions to assess them for head injury, such as, “How old are you?” or, “Do you know where you are?”

Motorcycle Injury Attorneys in San Antonio

The rider may be entitled to legal compensation if a motorcycle injury happened because of someone’s negligence. Contact the motorcycle accident attorneys at Carabin Shaw to find out if your injury qualifies for compensation at 800-862-1260. We’ve put our clients first for 30 years because we care. We look forward to serving you.

Contacting a Carabin Shaw Attorney for a consultation is free and does not require that you work with the firm.

¹KSAT News Report

²First Aid Data