Rear-End Car Accidents in Ohio: Who’s at Fault?
Posted in: Car Accidents
KNR Legal Blog
Motorcycles are a lot of fun—and generally safe fun when used carefully. Unfortunately, accidents happen. Even the best motorcyclists can find themselves in a terrible accident, often one caused by another person’s recklessness. When the worst happens, it’s vital to have an “in case of emergency” card (I.C.E. card).
Your I.C.E. card is a simple document that states your name, your emergency contact, and any medical conditions, allergies, medicines, or other information that first responders need to know when treating you after an accident. Not only do you need to list the name and number of your emergency contact, but you also need to include their relationship to you, permission to inform of any medical information if not your next of kin, and an address. All of this acts as extra insurance that they can be reached. It’s even a good idea to have a backup I.C.E. contact as well in case your main emergency contact is somewhere they cannot be reached.
You should keep your I.C.E. card on you at all times in your wallet or another place that an emergency responder could find immediately. Many motorcyclists also copy this information into the inside of their helmet, so that they are guaranteed to have it on them every time they ride—even if their phone or wallet is lost. Many people are tempted nowadays to simply put I.C.E. information into a cell phone rather than creating a whole new card, but this is problematic too. What if your cell phone is lost or damaged in the crash? Even worse, what if emergency responders can’t figure out the password and unlock your phone? If you can’t tell them the password, first responders won’t know who to inform about your injuries.
Just because you are married and your spouse knows all your vital emergency information or your emergency contact is your parent or close friend and you know they can tell emergency responders anything they need to know, it doesn’t mean you are exempt from needing an in case of emergency card. Your I.C.E. card could save your life in an accident.
In the event of a crash where you are seriously injured, you may not be able to communicate life-saving information to paramedics. Any medicine you are taking could interact with other treatments. Any previous medical conditions could affect the best course of action by paramedics to save you. Every minute counts in an emergency, and first responders may not have a chance to call your I.C.E. contact until it is too late. Only by having all of this medical information easily accessible to emergency responders do you give yourself the best chance for a full recovery.
Motorcycle accidents are among some of the deadliest. If you are injured, you may not be able to help paramedics treat you. Your I.C.E. card ensures that they still can give you the best treatment possible. Unfortunately, you still may come away with lasting injuries and serious damage. In these cases, an Ohio personal injury lawyer can help you get what you need to finish recovering. Call the Ohio motorcycle accident lawyers at KNR today at 1-800-HURT-NOW for a free consultation to find out how we may be able to help.