Moped rider at a priority junction after a collision
You are riding a moped on a two-lane urban street at about 40 km/h. At an unmarked T-junction a car emerges from the right and stops partly across your lane. You brake hard, the front wheel locks briefly on a damp patch, and the moped slides and falls. You are conscious and can move, but your right forearm is bleeding and your wrist is swelling. The car driver stops, is unhurt, and is shouting that you were speeding. A passenger in the car is filming on a phone. Traffic is passing slowly around the scene. You are wearing a helmet and gloves but only a light jacket. There is no fire, no fuel smell, and no one else is injured.
1. What are your first aid priorities for yourself and what should you avoid doing?
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Your own safety comes first, then first aid and scene safety.
Move clear only if it is safe. You are conscious and mobile, and traffic is passing. If you can move without worsening pain, get yourself and, if possible, the moped off the carriageway to a safe spot. If movement causes severe pain, stay put and ask others to warn traffic.
Control the bleeding. Apply direct pressure to the forearm wound with a clean dressing or cloth. Do not remove an object embedded in a wound; press around it. If bleeding soaks through, add another layer rather than removing the first.
Suspect a fracture. A swelling wrist after a fall should be treated as a possible fracture: support and immobilise it in the position found, do not try to straighten it, and do not let anyone test it by moving it. Remove rings or tight items from the hand if possible before swelling increases, if this can be done without force.
Do not give the injured person food or drink, do not let anyone persuade you to ride on, and do not refuse medical assessment just because you feel able to move. Head injury can develop later; watch for confusion, drowsiness or vomiting.
Call for help. Ask a bystander to call 112, stating location, number of casualties and injuries. Keep warm and still until help arrives.
2. How should you handle the scene, the other driver and the filming passenger while waiting for the emergency services?
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Behaviour at the scene affects both safety and the later legal position.
Scene safety. Warn approaching traffic: switch on hazard lights if the moped still works, and ask bystanders to signal or stand clear but visible. Do not stand in the carriageway yourself.
Exchange details. Give your name, address, vehicle registration and insurance details, and obtain the same from the car driver. This is required after a collision involving injury or damage. Note the time, location, weather, road and lighting conditions, and the positions of the vehicles.
Evidence. Photograph the scene, the moped, the car, the damp patch and the junction, and note any witnesses and their contact details. If the passenger is filming, stay calm and polite; do not grab the phone or argue on camera. The recording may help establish what happened, and aggressive behaviour would count against you.
The allegation of speeding. Do not argue at the roadside. State facts briefly if asked by the police, and give a full account later. The car emerged from the right at an unmarked junction, so priority rules and the car's failure to keep the lane clear will be relevant.
Report it. A collision with injury must be reported to the police; if the police do not attend, report it at the station within the required period. Notify your insurer promptly. Do not leave the scene before the police or ambulance arrive unless you are taken for treatment, and then leave your details.