Avoiding a Motorcycle Accident: 5 Tips From a Motorcycle Injury Attorney
Driving a motorcycle can be a great hobby and an excellent way to road-trip. But the reality is, it is a high-risk mode of transportation. In fact, more than 80% of all reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). As motorcycle accident lawyers, we see firsthand the life-changing consequences of serious motorcycle crashes—the worst of which result in death.
The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to minimize your risk of injury before (and during) your next drive. These top tips from the motorcycle injury attorneys at Avera & Smith will help you stay as safe as possible while doing what you love.
1. Always Wear a Helmet
Motorcycle collisions are often the non-motorcycle driver’s fault. But one thing that you can always control is whether or not you are wearing a helmet. The NHTSA reports that without a Department of Transportation-approved, full-face helmet, a motorcycle operator is twice as likely to sustain a traumatic brain injury in a crash. Wearing a helmet is the best way to reduce your risk of ever having to contact a motorcycle injury attorney—or something far worse.
Plus, insurance companies are known to place as much of the blame for a motorcycle injury on a driver without a helmet as they do on the other driver. To learn more about Florida’s evolving helmet laws, read this article written by one of Avera & Smith’s motorcycle accident lawyers.
2. Invest in Safety Gear from the Neck Down
While your head is the most important part of your body to protect in a motorcycle accident, the rest of your body needs protection too. It’s best to make sure your entire body is covered with durable material, such as leather.
Wear protective clothing that covers your arms and legs, as well as heavy-duty boots that cover your ankles. Gloves are critical no matter the weather, and make sure you have more layers or heavier gear for your whole body in colder climates. Finally, black is a popular color when it comes to motorcycle gear. But wearing something brighter can help ensure that other motorists are aware of your presence on the road, decreasing the chances of an accident.
3. Stay Vigilant
As we mentioned, motorcycle accidents are less likely to be the fault of the motorcyclist. You can’t control drivers who are endangering you by texting. But staying aware of your surroundings and road conditions can be the difference between a close call and a 911 call. If you’re not sure that another driver sees you, honk your horn. And always use your headlight, so you can see potholes, railroad tracks and other hazardous road conditions.
Additionally, avoiding bad weather can be a lifesaving decision. From rain to wind, your chances of being involved in a motorcycle accident increase in bad weather conditions. If you have to ride in the rain, make sure you have the proper protective gear. But please try to avoid it at all costs.
4. Follow the Rules of the Road
The rules are in place for a reason: to protect drivers like you. That being said, don’t speed. Never drink and drive under any circumstances. Not only will you be putting your own life in danger, but you’ll be putting innocent motorists and pedestrians in harm’s way. As motorcycle injury attorneys and car accident attorneys, we have seen too many lives ruined because someone decided to get behind the wheel when they shouldn’t have.
Lastly, use your blinker and be on high alert at intersections. That’s where a large percentage of motorcycle collisions occur. And many of those are caused by drivers ahead of you turning left. Following the rules of the road and taking the proper precautions can go a long way when it comes to your safety.
5. Go to Class
Whether you are a novice or an experienced motorcyclist, it’s a good idea to take a safety course. A refresher never hurts, and there are plenty of online and in-person options available to you. You might even be able to get a discount on your insurance payment by taking a course from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
Contact the Motorcycle Accident Lawyers of Avera & Smith Today
No matter how experienced you are, you’ll never be able to completely prevent an inattentive or negligent driver from colliding with you. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, please don’t hesitate to contact Avera & Smith now for a free consultation. Our motorcycle injury attorneys have decades of experience representing Floridians and securing the compensation they deserve.