Accidents are inevitable in nature.
Even though you may be great at riding, the fault of the other person riding on roads can cause you great discomfort, often leading to an accident. In India, one does become eligible to ride a bike only after procuring a permanent driving license. In the year 2020, over 1.58 lakh accidents occured in India in the year 2020. The number is still high despite of COVID-19 lockdown. Rash riding and poor road conditions are considered to be major factors behind the rising number of deaths. While being a part of a bike accident can cause great discomfort and mental pressure, it is best to be cautious at such times and follow the below given tips so you can handle the situation well.
Take the require preventative measures
Prevention is better than cure. It is important to take preventative measures instead of avoiding them. Wear the necessary safety gears and a helmet while riding the bike. Also, opt to purchase a bike which you are comfortable with. Don’t end up buying a bike only due to its appearance. Keep in mind your comfort and safety. Before leaving home, check on the weather conditions, avoid riding through waterlogged areas. Always carry your bike insurance, PUC certificate, driving license to avoid hefty penalties.
Ensure everyone's safety
In case you have caused the accident or the third party has, ensure that everyone involved in the accident is safe. In case someone is hurt, unresponsive, unstable, call for medical help immediately. Get the person hospitalized if required. In case if the situation is under control and nobody is hurt, you and the third party should move aside and sort out the situation by involving the insurance company and the police.
Keep medical aid handy
While traveling by bike, keep a first aid kit handy. Scooters do have storage space where you can stock up the medical essentials. For bikes, you can get a seperate compartment installed. In case of an accident, the first aid kit will help you. Ensure that the kit contains cotton roll, dettol bottle, bandages, ointment, etc.
Call the police and file an FIR
In case you have caused an accident or if the third party has, inform the police instantly and register an FIR if required. Provide all the necessary information such as date and time of the accident, third party details, cause of accident, etc. Do not leave the place of the accident before police arrive. Leaving the place without informing the police is against the law and can land you in further trouble.
Take photographs of the accident site
Take pictures of the accident sight including the damages caused to your bike and the third party. Also take pictures of injuries caused to you, the third party or any other person involved. This will help you at the time of filing a claim
Inform the insurance company
Report the accident to the insurance company within 24 hours of the accident. Provide your insurance details and the details of the third party involved. Explain to them about the accident and send photographic evidence. The insurance company will review the details shared and provide you the coverage. Whether you have third party bike insurance or comprehensive bike insurance, it is mandatory that you purchase personal accident cover. A personal accident cover provides protection to owner-riders in case of death, disability or injury caused due to an accident. Compensation up to Rs. 15 lakh is provided under personal accident cover. When raising a bike accident clai,, you will be asked to provide documents such as duly signed claim form, driving license, policy documents, FIR copy in case of third party claim.
Do not panic
It is natural to get panicked during such a situation. However, no matter how angry or sad you feel, face the situation and do not lose your calm. Cooperate with the police, third party and other concerned authorities. Let the insurance company or the police decide whose fault it was. State the facts and do not fabricate the truth. Be transparent and honest in all situations.
Road accidents can happen anytime. It is best to keep in mind the above tips and practise safe riding. Follow the traffic rules, do not overspeed and inform the police and insurance company about the accident immediately.
Also Read: 8 tips while riding bike in rainy seasons
