Freedom, adrenaline rush, and exhilaration.
These are some terms that come to mind whenever we hear the word motorcycles. While motorcycles are a fast and affordable way to travel, they come with their own share of risks and problems.
Not being mindful when riding a motorcycle can result in accidents. These accidents can lead to serious bodily harm, injuries, and even death. Being completely exposed to all dangers means that you need to be extra careful when riding a motorcycle.
In this article, we look at seven tips that can help you prevent motorcycle accidents. Additionally, we also speak to a leading Douglasville lawyer to help you with what you need to do if you have been in an accident where someone else was responsible.
List of 7 Tips to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents
- Learn how to ride the Motorcycle in a Safety Course-
Even if you are someone that has been riding a motorcycle for a long time, you need to engage with a safety course. Most regions in the country offer licensed programs and certifications on motorcycle safety courses. They teach you about the ways and means that will help you avoid accidents, take preventive measures, street bike gear for men, and even talk about first-aid in case of accidents.
- Be Mindful of your Surroundings on the Road-
Motorcycles suffer from a peculiar problem. They end up as blind spots to car and truck drivers on the road. This is why as a motorcyclist; you need to pre-empt the actions of the cars and other heavy vehicles on the road. You also need to be mindful of your surroundings and ride accordingly. For example, if it is raining, you need to go slow to avoid slipping.
- Track Obstacles on the road, big and small-
Unlike cars that do not have to try hard to maintain their balance, motorcycles need to do it. This is why the smallest stone chips can offset balance leading to crashes. You need to be very careful of all obstacles and impediments on the road, no matter how big or small they might be. If you are riding on unfamiliar roads, you need to go slow and look for stones and potholes.
- Always follow the Rules and Speed Limits on the road-
While speed is exhilarating, it can also be incredibly dangerous. Motorcyclists need to follow all the rules and regulations that have been mentioned for a stretch of road. Following the speed limit is essential. The higher the speeds, the more are the chances of you losing control of the vehicle. This is why you need to ensure you stay within the speed limits.
- Ensure you are using the Looking Mirrors on the road-
There is a reason why your motorcycle comes with looking glasses for rear viewing. Like we mentioned, you need to be mindful of the traffic that is behind you. Motorcyclists are infamous for taking sharp turns. If there is a vehicle behind you that you are not aware of, you might get into serious problems. Checking the mirrors can help you understand the movement of traffic.
- Engage in Regular Maintenance of your Motorcycle-
Just like any other vehicle, motorcycles require regular maintenance. Riders need to check for tire condition, battery, headlights, turn indicators, and brakes. Not paying attention to these parts, might lead them to break down and become an eventual cause of your accident. Tire bursts on major highways can become a very serious problem, making you lose balance.
- Never drive a Motorcycle if you are Intoxicated-
One fundamental rule that you should always be following is never riding your motorcycle in an intoxicated state. If you are going out drinking with your friends or colleagues, always opt for a cab or any form of public transport. Riding a motorcycle requires that all your instincts should work in proper order. Drinking or smoking up impairs your instincts and judgments.
How to take Legal Help following a Motorcycling Accident?
Even though you might be following all the precautions mentioned above, you might still end up in an accident. This can happen because of the negligence of other drivers on the road. There is a common urge to blame motorcyclists for accidents that happen on roads.
However, there might be instances where car and truck drivers were not being mindful or following the laws. In such instances, you can opt for legal recourse and file a personal injury lawsuit. According to leading legal experts, the following are some things that you should be doing immediately after a motorcycling accident-
- Pick yourself up and get to a point of safety-
If you have been involved in an accident on busy roads, you have the danger of oncoming traffic. This means you need to ensure that you are safe. Do not lie down on the road. Make sure you are visible to passing vehicles. You need to get up and move to the side of the road.
- Call the Police Immediately (911)-
If there are no law enforcement officers at the scene, you need to call them up immediately. Use your cell phone and dial 911. If your phone has broken or you are incapacitated to make the call, request a bystander to dial 911. The faster the police reach the scene, the better.
- Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer-
Motorcycle accident cases can get complicated very fast. You must work with a Racine based motorcycle accident attorney who can assist you in obtaining an insurance settlement. If you are seriously injured, the attorney will push for greater compensation to address your medical bills.
- Get hold of Evidence at the scene of the Accident-
If you have to prove someone else was at fault, you need to back it up with evidence. Make sure you are gathering images and videos from the scene of the accident. You also need to get the license plate numbers along with taking down the insurance details of the culprit party.
- Seek Medical Attention immediately-
Motorcycling accidents are notorious for leading to grave internal injuries. Even though you feel fine, it is always a good idea to check into a hospital and get your vitals tested. Preliminary scans can reveal the extent of the damage. This will help you when the case proceeds to courts.
The Bottom Line
Insurance companies are quick to place the blame on motorcyclists. They think that they are an easy scapegoat. If the insurance company is trying to pin the blame on you, it is best to let your lawyer handle proceedings. If you have any more questions, that you would like us to answer on motorcycle accidents, let us know in the comments.
