When you think of injury attorneys and accidents, typically you think of car accidents, but a surprising number of accidents we see are actually motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles are less visible to fellow drivers and less stable than their four-wheeled counterparts which makes motorcycles more likely to be involved in accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in traffic accidents than car passengers. This is a staggering statistic indeed; because of the injury and fatality rate of motorcycle accidents, we see many of these cases come through the local courts. Insurance companies will try to use whatever they can to minimize their liability and payments made. Here are some tips to think about when riding motorcycles that could not only keep you safer, but could potentially win your case should you or a loved one be involved in a motorcycle accident.
If riding a motorcycle, remember these key factors:
- Wear the Proper Protection. This means—you guessed it—wear a helmet! (Head injury is reduced by 69% and the risk of death is reduced by 42% if a helmet is worn.) You should also have arms and legs covered with a thick material like denim or leather. You could even wear bright or reflective colors to be more visible to other drivers.
- Ride Responsibly. Don’t ride recklessly! Don’t turn “Evil Knievel” on the highway, it puts you and others at risk. Obey traffic signs, lights, road markings, follow the flow of traffic, and be aware of your surroundings. Remember to drive not just for yourself, but others around you. When you are obeying the laws and the other driver is reckless, or at fault, that is where cases are won.
- Don’t Ride Under the Influence. First, it’s illegal to drive under the influence, and by doing so you could forfeit any claim you may have should you be involved in an accident. Secondly, alcohol and drugs can severely impair a person’s driving ability. Studies show they make a person less alert and reduce their reaction time which can affect throttle control and a person’s ability to shift gears. Again, the best thing you can do is to follow the laws of the road to ensure your safety, the safety of those around you and to ensure should the unspeakable happen — you’re entitled to compensation.
