Posted on Friday, February 19th, 2016 at 4:31 pm
As a motorcycle rider, you may not be able to avoid a motorcycle accident caused by another driver; however, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident. As Sacramento motorcycle accident attorneys, we see how much damage a motorcycle crash can cause. Motorcyclists who suffer catastrophic injuries in a motorcycle accident often have permanent conditions that change their lives forever.
How Can You Reduce Your Risk of Being in Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
Take a Motorcycle Safety Class
If you are a new motorcyclist, consider taking a motorcycle safety class or motorcycle training course. Inexperience can be dangerous and deadly. Anyone under the age of 21 must complete the California Motorcyclist Safety Program; however, if you have never owned or operated a motorcycle, the course is recommended regardless of your age.
Obey All Traffic Laws
Know and understand the California traffic laws and obey all laws at all times. Traffic laws are designed to protect you and to protect others on the road. Traffic violations such as speeding or running a red light can have catastrophic consequences.
Do Not Ride in Bad Weather
Poor weather can create a dangerous situation for motorcyclists. Avoid riding in poor weather conditions to reduce your risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident. If you cannot see traffic in front of you, other drives will have a more difficult time seeing your motorcycle.
Make Yourself More Visible
Wearing bright colors and always riding with your headlight on will make you more visible to other drivers. The sad truth is that other drivers do not pay enough attention to motorcycles. Yes, the smaller size of a motorcycle does put the rider at an increased risk of an accident because a driver does not see the rider; however, many drivers simply do not watch out for motorcycles.
Ride Defensively
Never assume that the other driver will be watching for you or the other driver will take precautions to avoid a motorcycle accident. The best way to decrease your risk of being involved in an accident is to be alert and be prepared to take evasive maneuvers if you are cut off by another vehicle or a vehicle turns left in front of your motorcycle.
Have You Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle riders are 30 times more likely to be killed in a vehicle accident than the occupants of passenger vehicles are. This is mainly due to the lack of protection a motorcycle affords to the rider. Occupants in a vehicle are protected by the vehicle’s frame; however, a motorcyclist has nothing to absorb the impact of a collision. Even with a helmet, a motorcyclist can suffer catastrophic injuries in a motorcycle accident.
If you or your loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, contact the Tiemann Law Firm for a free consultation and case evaluation. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your losses and damages. Call (916) 999-9000 or chat with a representative online. Our experienced motorcycle attorneys will fight for your right to receive a fair and just settlement.
