If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact our team of experienced attorneys and staff today.
It’s no secret that motorcyclists are more at risk of serious injury and death on the road than the other drivers. In 2017, 5,172 motorcyclists died in a motorcycle accident and 89,000 were injured.
These high numbers of fatalities and injuries are due to several factors, but many of the risks leading to these accidents can be mitigated by responsible motorcycle operation.
At times though, motorcycle accidents can occur even when a motorcyclist follows safe driving practices. When this happens, he or she may be entitled to financial compensation for the losses suffered in the accident.
Ready to discuss your case? Contact our experienced team of personal injury lawyers for a free initial case consultation*
A Few Tips to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents
Always Be Aware
Carelessness is one of the main causes for accidents in general, but it has particularly dire consequences for motorcyclists. Whether a motorcycle driver is drifting too far near the centerline on a curve or coming into a stop too fast. Repeated actions with a lack of care like these will greatly increase the likelihood of a dangerous accident happening.
Check Your Motorcycle Before Riding
Many accidents stem from a faulty performance from the motorcycle itself because motorcycles are notorious for being finicky vehicles. Because of this, they require more attentive care. Parts need to be replaced, leaks more easily occur, etc. Before taking your motorcycle out for a ride, be sure that it is capable of withstanding the ride.
NEVER Operate Your Motorcycle After Drinking
For 35% of all fatalities related to motorcycle accidents in 2017, the driver had alcohol in their system.
There is never a good excuse to operate your motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol. Motorcycles require particularly acute motor and reasoning skills and alcohol diminishes both of these.
So, if you have been drinking and are considering riding your motorcycle, find another method of transportation until you are completely sober.
What If the Accident Is Not My Fault?
Because of the staggeringly high statistics of motorcycle accidents, it is assumed that motorcyclists are the cause of all accidents involving motorcycles and other vehicles on the road. This, however, is not true.
There are many cases where a motorcyclist is completely within the bounds of traffic laws and safe driving practices but is involved in an accident because of uncontrollable factors such as other erratic drivers, dangerous road conditions, or defects in the motorcycle that are unobservable by the motorcyclist.
In cases such as these, the motorcycle operator may be entitled to financial relief from the party responsible for causing the accident.
What To Do:
- Hire an experienced attorney
- The process for filing suit against an individual for a motorcycle wreck is one that requires an in-depth knowledge of your state’s legal system.
- It’s important to hire a lawyer who is going to be competent enough to represent you and your case well before a judge.
- Be sure to document all things related to the accident as carefully as possible.
- The more documentation that you have from the accident and the subsequent happenings, the easier it will be for you to make a case for financial relief before the court.