It is a well-known fact that riding a motorcycle can be dangerous. To reduce the chance of crashing, new riders should complete a rider safety course and be especially mindful while on the road. Using safety gear helps prevent bodily injury in a crash. Bright colors on your helmet and jacket will help drivers see you and potentially avoid collisions. These are the most common motorcycle accidents:
The most common motorcycle accident is a car turning left in front of the motorcyclist. This happens when a car doesn’t see you, or they judge your speed incorrectly and turn in front of you at an intersection. As a motorcycle rider, you have to develop a sixth sense, looking for signs that could indicate a car may turn in front of you. At intersections, slow down and be ready to take evasive action. A vehicle waiting in a turn lane is a threat to your safety as a motorcyclist. When a car changes path into you, you are riding in the car’s blind spot, and they don’t know you are there. If you can see a driver’s eye in the mirrors, they can see you too. Look for signs of a car changing lanes, a car driver acting distracted, car turn signals, wheels turning, and be prepared to move if needed.
A Car Hits You From Behind
As you come to a halt at a stop sign or crosswalk, the car behind you doesn’t see you and hits you at speed. This common road incident, a “fender bender” can kill a motorcyclist. It’s a good defensive move to stop to the side rather than the center of a lane, rapidly flash your brake light, and keep the bike in gear. Pay attention to what is coming up behind you and be prepared to move away should it look like you are about to be struck.
Wet Slippery Roads
Make sure your bike has good tires, slow down, and be as smooth as you can on the controls. In wet conditions, manhole covers become extra slippery, and you will need to look out for oil and diesel on the road as well. Be aware of the decreased visibility rain creates for other drivers and ride very defensively.
Don’t Drink and Ride
One of the largest studies on motorcycle accident causation showed that alcohol is a factor in 50 % of all bike wrecks.
Florida has a High Statistic for Motorcycle Deaths
Florida has a large number of motorcycle riders statistically, second only to California. It also draws motorcyclists in around events such as Daytona Beach Bike Week and Biketoberfest. Florida has a large proportion of elderly drivers, as well as plenty of elderly motorcyclists. Elderly drivers and riders are more likely to have decreased vision or cognitive decline.
What to Do if You are in a Motorcycle Accident
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident and you are injured, get out of the roadway and away from further danger. Call the police and get a police report. Even if you aren’t immediately seeking damages, you may have injuries that aren’t yet visible. If there are eyewitnesses to the accident, they may be useful to your case. If you can, take photos to show the road conditions, skid marks, and other clues that can lead to fault determination. It is advisable to see a doctor who can best evaluate your injuries. The next best advice after you have secured yourself and have seen a doctor would be to seek an accident attorney’s counsel. You have rights even if you think you may be at fault or not. Motorcycle accidents are frightening, and the injuries can be severe. The courts will award damages to a person injured in a not-at-fault accident that can help cover medical expenses, pain, and suffering.
If you have been in a motorcycle accident in the Ocala area, King Law Firm is the Ocala personal injury law firm to call for a free consultation. Speak to a motorcycle accident attorney at (352) 629-8747.
