What to Do If You Get Trapped Under Your Motorcycle After a Crash

Posted on January 21, 2025 in Motorcycle Accidents

Being trapped underneath your motorcycle following a crash can be traumatizing and cause significant and life-altering injuries. Here’s how to protect yourself physically and legally if you get pinned under a motorcycle after a collision.

Immediate Safety Steps When Trapped Under a Motorcycle

If you find yourself trapped under a motorcycle after a crash, here are some things you should consider doing to limit the extent of your injuries and protect yourself:

• Assess the situation. Panicking can make the situation worse. Remain calm, turn off the engine, and attempt to assess the circumstances. Understanding your situation can help you decide what your next move needs to be.
• Call for help. Try to reach your phone and call for help or ask others to call for you. Law enforcement and emergency services can safely extricate you from underneath your motorcycle and provide the emergency medical care you need.
• Slip out from under the motorcycle. If you can safely move, try to crawl out from under the motorcycle. Depending on the type of motorcycle you ride, you may be able to push or roll the bike off. If there is debris nearby, you may also be able to use it to give you leverage to move the bike. Ask bystanders for additional help lifting or moving the motorcycle safely.
• Protect your airway. If you cannot move the motorcycle or crawl out from under it, do your best to position yourself so that you are not compromising your airway. Adjust your position so the bike’s weight does not rest on your chest, if possible. Position your head carefully so you can breathe.

If you believe you may have a severe head injury or spinal injury, do not move. Wait for help to arrive.

Common Injuries from Being Pinned Under a Motorcycle in South Carolina

Some of the most common injuries that can occur when pinned underneath a motorcycle can include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Neck injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Crush injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Soft tissue injuries
• Road rash
• Burns

The trauma of being trapped under a motorcycle can also cause mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Documenting the Accident and Gathering Evidence

It may be challenging, but take the time to document the accident scene with photographs and videos as best you can. Ask witnesses for their contact information and a brief statement about what they saw. Finally, seeking medical attention as soon as possible for your injuries not only protects your health but also creates medical records that can be robust evidence in your motorcycle accident claim.

How Our Lawyers Help People Hurt When Trapped Under a Motorcycle

The South Carolina motorcycle accident lawyers at The Melonakos Law Firm want to help you if you’ve been trapped under a motorcycle and seriously injured. Learn more about South Carolina Motorcycle Laws to better understand your rights as an injured rider. We’ll investigate the motorcycle crash, identify all liable parties, and build your claim to hold them accountable for your medical expenses, lost wages, chronic pain, suffering, and other losses. We’ll fight for the maximum compensation and justice you deserve through the legal process.

Contact our office today and arrange a free consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney to learn more about your legal options for a personal injury lawsuit.

Michael Melonakos

Michael, a lawyer who honed his skills at premier Atlanta insurance defense firms, specializes in cases involving trucking, auto, and premises liability, adeptly representing both local and national clients.