Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog

Riding a motorcycle is exhilarating and gives an intoxicating sense of freedom, especially when you ride without a helmet or heavy clothing. Like all freedoms, there is a price for it. To prevent any serious or fatal accident which would end that freedom, a rider must ride safely.

1. Do not drink and ride – riding will make you high, so forget the drink.
2. Get yourself properly trained in how to ride safely – research has shown that about 90 percent of riders involved in accidents were self-taught or taught by a friend.
3. Maintain your bike well to avoid any malfunctioning on the road.
4. Always keep some extra space between you and the surrounding vehicles – drivers involved in motorcycle accidents frequently state that they just didn’t see the rider, so if you give them extra space, they’ll have more time to brake.
5. Consider what you wear -- wear brightly-colored clothing rather than all black; avoid any flapping or loose clothing that could impair your vision; and use leather, which protects you against abrasion if you do get knocked from your bike.
6. Ride according to your skill level – but by all means improve your skills.
7. Be sure your license is current – about one quarter of motorcycle riders in fatal crashes were not properly licensed, at least as of 2001.
8. Wear a helmet. Yes, although they may feel constricting and annoying, they do protect you against head injuries, which are the cause of most fatalities.

Motorcycle riders have a disproportionately high percentage of deaths on the road. To extend your riding days as long as possible, look after yourself and your bike.

If you have injured yourself in a motorcycle accident, or if you have a loved one who has done that, please contact a qualified and experienced motorcycle accident attorney to learn more about your legal rights and options.