Riding your motorcycle can be thrilling, but it can also be dangerous. According to the Insurance Information Institute, deaths from motorcycle crashes went up five percent between 2015 and 2016, a statistic that unfortunately seems as connected to issues with distracted driving as it is to anything else. If you find yourself in a motorcycle accident due to someone else’s distracted or negligent driving, it will be of utmost importance to seek legal representation from the likes of this motorcycle accident lawyer in OKC or similar lawyers that can offer the same services.
Whether you’re new to motorcycles or have been riding for years, here are several safety tips to keep in mind the next time you hit the road.
Be aware of the common causes of collisions and injury
The number one safety tip for avoiding serious injury on a motorcycle is to wear proper safety equipment, specifically a helmet. But you know this already. Beyond safety gear, there are some times when understanding common causes of crashes can be just as helpful for avoiding an accident in the first place.
Some of the most common sites of motorcycle accidents are at traffic lights and stop signs when a motorcyclist tries to go through the intersection during a stalled yellow light or a red light. It’s also a good idea to be aware of the common blind spots of cars and trucks so that you can avoid riding in these areas when you’re next to another vehicle on the road.
Follow traffic laws
Aside from being cognizant of what other drivers may do to cause accidents, it’s equally important that you’re also following traffic laws when riding. Staying underneath the speed limit is a vital law to follow in this vein since a motorcycle accident can become increasingly more dangerous the faster you’re traveling.
It’s also best not to try and cut around or through traffic, even if your bike will fit between two lanes of cars in standstill traffic. These quick movements can place you in a position that other drivers aren’t expecting, increasing the chance of a reactive driving maneuver that ultimately leads to a crash.
Although motorcycles are certainly made for speed, it’s crucial that you follow the appropriate traffic laws for the state you’re riding in, so that you can avoid being the cause of an accident.
It is also recommended to equip your vehicle with a motorcycle GPS tracker, which can monitor the vehicle in real time and protect it from being stolen.
What to do if you’re in an accident
When you’re in an accident on your motorcycle, there are two things you need to worry about: yourself and your bike. When it comes to fixing your bike, you’re in luck, since most repair shops across the country will be able to service your motorcycle.
Even if you ride your bike cross country and you’re in a different state, you’ll likely be able to find a motorcycle or auto body repair in Dallas, OR (or whatever city you may find yourself in) to fix your bike. Regarding what to do about yourself, you first need to assess which of the following two options makes the most sense for your situation.
Option number one involves seeking medical attention, which is generally recommended after you’ve been in a motorcycle accident. Often times, motorcycle-related injuries to the head and spine can’t be determined without a licensed physician. Seeing a doctor can be the difference between catching a problem early or catching a much more serious problem later on.
Option number two: if the accident wasn’t your fault, you may also want to seek out a personal injury lawyer. A law firm like Preszler Law can help you analyze your case and seek a settlement to help cover medical costs, as well as other fees associated with your collision.
Driving a motorcycle is fun, but it should also be safe. Just because your bike can make sharp maneuvers or reach top speeds doesn’t mean that it’s always a good idea. Be sure to follow common sense, observe all traffic laws, wear a helmet, and be aware of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents.
A regular driver’s license is a Class D driver license and is issued to drive motor vehicles (not a commercial motor vehicle or motorcycle.)