Collisions between motorcycles and larger vehicles have been on the rise, and a large number of those crashes result in serious injury for the motorcycle riders. While automobile drivers are surrounded by several tons of steel and sophisticated safety technology, motorcycle riders have only their helmets and their wits to protect them.
If you ride a motorcycle, you need to take a proactive approach to riding safety. That means being aware of your surroundings at all times, obeying local traffic laws and watching out for larger vehicles. Being aware of the blind spots automobile drivers face can also help you stay safe, but in the end there is a great deal of chance in any accident.
Unfortunately for motorists, motorcycle crashes are anything but rare. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the number of motorcycle-related deaths has more than doubled in the past ten years. Even if you ride safely and take all the necessary precautions, you could be involved in a crash that causes serious injury and extensive financial loss.
If you are one of the unlucky victims of a motorcycle crash, it is important to know your rights and contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Most motorcycle collisions result from a handful of causes, including failure to yield, failure to check blind spots before making a lane change, talking on the phone or texting, running a red light or stop sign and falling asleep behind the wheel.
A good personal injury attorney will be able to investigate the accident and determine exactly what happened and who was at fault. Hiring a competent attorney can also preserve your rights and help ensure you receive the compensation to which you are entitled.
Even if you are never involved in an accident, it is important for you, as a motorcycle owner and rider, to be aware of the laws that apply to you. You cannot simply assume that the laws are the same for drivers and riders. Motorcycle owners face some additional challenges, and it is important that they understand how those differences affect them.
As with automobile drivers, motorcycle riders need to have sufficient liability coverage in place. Depending on your situation and how many assets you have, the minimum required by law may not be enough to protect you. If you are unsure how much liability insurance you need, you should contact a financial planner or attorney.
Safety is another important consideration for motorcycle owners. While safety is important for anyone who operates a vehicle, it is even more critical for motorcycle riders. The lack of protection inherent in riding a motorcycle makes safety a vital part of the equation.
If it has been some time since you first got your motorcycle license, you might want to take a refresher course on driving safety. The laws are always changing, and a driving safety course will bring you up to speed and help you share the road safely with other motorists.
The warm breeze and thrilling speed can make all the difference in vehicle preference for motorcycle owners. There is nothing quite like hitting the open road and weaving along the highway. Knowing how to operate that motorcycle safely and understanding your rights will make the open road even more inviting.
This article is from @AmandaJaylene, who shares her experience on injury and auto collisions from her home along the busy roads of Phoenix. From DUI laws, to red light cameras, to traffic collisions – she’s witnessed a fair share of accidents in Arizona.
