For motorcycle riders, springtime means time to get the bike out on the road. After waiting all winter to ride, it feels great to feel the wind in your hair and experience the open road once again. However, motorcycles are not the safest means of travel, even for experienced riders. This may have you asking yourself what you should do if you are the victim of a motorcycle accident, and what steps you can take to ensure your safety on the road.
Accidents Happen
Unfortunately, even if you follow all the safety tips, there is still a possibility of being involved in an accident. The same actions taken after a car accident, including exchanging insurance information, assessing damages, and taking pictures of the scene, should also be taken following a motorcycle accident. Whether the accident is your fault or not, you may need a motorcycle injury lawyer. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident and insurance is not covering all the medical charges, or if you need to be compensated for pain and suffering, it would be a good idea to contact an attorney. If you are not unsure of whether you should contact an attorney or not, it usually doesn’t hurt to at least get a consult.
Laws Regarding Motorcycle Safety
Because of the dangers involved with riding a motorcycle, state laws exist regarding training and licensing. For example, some states require riders to have a certain number of hours of experience in order to obtain a motorcycle license. The hours required vary by state, so it is important to check with your state to be sure you are ready to be licensed.
Another law that varies by state is the law concerning safety equipment. Some states require all riders to wear a helmet, while other states allow riders above a certain age to make that decision on their own. Some states don’t even have a law pertaining to helmets. Regardless of the state law, wearing a DOT-approved helmet is an important step in preventing head injuries or death, should you find yourself the victim of a motorcycle accident.
Safety Tips
Riding a motorcycle is a liberating experience. Whether you take a cross country trip or just a quick ride around the block, you experience the joy of knowing the power of your bike, the smell and sound of your exhaust, the fuel economy, and maybe even just knowing that others are envious of your bike. Although you can’t prevent all accidents, if you follow these safety tips, you will improve your chances of having a safe ride.
- Choose the right sized bike. You know your strength. You don’t want a bike that’s so heavy you have difficulty balancing.
- Take training classes. If you are a new rider, a training course will help you be sure you are ready to hit the road. If you are an experienced rider, or you were previously a rider and you’re getting back into it, a training course will help you to refresh your memory on the skills you already know.
- Be aware of other drivers. Some drivers are not watching for motorcycles, which puts you at a disadvantage. Keep in mind that you can see other vehicles more easily than they can see you.
- Always be on the lookout for any type of hazard. A pothole or any type of debris on the road doesn’t affect you much in a car but on a motorcycle, failure to see one of these can put you in immediate danger.
- Use extra caution when you have a passenger. You may be an experienced rider, but it takes even more skill to ride with a passenger. You must adjust your riding to account for the fact that you have a passenger. Also, keep in mind that when you have a passenger, you are responsible for their safety as well.
Motorcycles can be fun for all ages. There are even events and rallies specifically for riders. Whether you ride your motorcycle frequently or occasionally, if you follow the safety procedures you increase your chances of having a safe ride. Following your state laws regarding riding is always important. Lastly, knowing what to do if you are involved in an accident is beneficial to all riders.