According to the Insurance Information Institute, there were approximately 8.4 million motorcycles on the road in the United States in 2014. During that same year, approximately 4,586 people died in motorcycle accidents and another 92,000 were injured. This means that for every 100,000 registered motorcycles, there are approximately 72.34 crashes – making them one of the most common ways to get injured on the road.
When it comes to motorcycle safety, there are a few basic steps you should follow:
1) Wear protective gear. Wearing a helmet and other protective gear at all times is an absolute must.
2) Be careful when changing lanes. A motorcycle is not as large as other vehicles on the road and other drivers may not be able to see you. Don’t change lanes unless you are sure you can do so safely.
3) Don’t slam on your brakes. Although there may be times when you need to make a sudden stop, this increases the likelihood of being hit from behind.
4) Think twice before making a left turn. Making a left turn in front of a quickly approaching vehicle is a sure way to get into an accident.
In addition to general motorcycle safety practices above, it’s important to understand what to do should you ever find yourself in an accident.
Seek Medical Attention
If you’re the victim of a motorcycle accident, the first thing you should do is call the authorities and seek medical attention as quickly as possible. One of the reasons why there are so many fatalities in these situations is because the driver is less protected than they would be in a car. As a result, injuries can also be more severe – even if they aren’t immediately noticeable at the time.
Seek the Help of a Legal Professional
Motorcycle laws can be very complicated. As a result, you may have a hard time getting compensated for either your medical bills or the damage to your motorcycle (and often both) on your own. In these situations it is always important to contact a legal professional as they can interview witnesses, collect evidence and take other steps necessary to help you get the compensation you deserve.
At Harshbarger Law, we’re proud of the fact that our clients are and will always be our number one priority. Above all else, we will always treat each and every person with the highest level of respect and will always communicate openly and honestly, holding the highest ethical standards at all times. If you or someone you know has been in a motorcycle accident please don’t delay – contact Harshbarger Law today.