How can I stay safe on my motorcycle?
Spring is in full swing and summer is not too far off. Motorcyclists all over North Carolina are dusting off their bikes and gearing up for the riding season.
Whether you're a new rider or have been riding for several years, it can never hurt to brush up on standard safety precautions.
Operating a motorcycle can be dangerous, since riders don't have the same protections as other motor vehicles. Moreover, motorists don't always see motorcyclists or acknowledge that they have the same right to access the road.
Here are some ways you can prepare for the riding season and reduce your chances of being involved in a crash.
Ensure that your motorcycle is safe to ride
Before taking your bike out for the first time this season, be sure to get it inspected and make repairs or upgrades where necessary.
You can start by checking the tires to ensure that they are properly inflated and still have adequate tread. You should also ensure that your brakes, exhaust, suspension, steering, and lights are all in proper-working order.
It's also a good idea to conduct periodic safety checks on your bike, especially before riding.
Wear proper safety gear
Wearing shorts, a T-shirt, or light shoes could be a recipe for disaster when operating a motorcycle. For adequate protection, it's best to wear boots, long pants, a leather jacket, leather gloves, eye protection and a properly fitted helmet.
Proper attire can help prevent road rash in the event of a crash. A helmet can reduce the risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury by about 67 percent, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. It can also reduce the risk of a death in a crash by 37 percent.
Make yourself visible
Many drivers don't pay enough attention to motorcyclists. That's why it's important to make yourself as visible as possible by adding reflective decals to your bike and even on your attire. This can help make you more visible at night.
Ride defensively
You never know what motorists are going to do. Drivers who behave erratically or drive distracted may cause lane-departure crashes, rear-end collisions or head-on collisions with motorcyclists.
It's important to first maintain a safe distance from cars and trucks. It's very easy for motorcyclists to get caught in blind spots.
If you notice a driver who appears to be acting aggressively or distracted, it's important that you get away from them if you can.
Also, be sure to keep an eye out for roadway defects, such as debris, potholes, sand or large puddles.
What should I do if I'm injured in a motorcycle accident?
If you're involved in a motorcycle crash, it's likely that your injuries will be serious enough to require prompt and extensive medical treatment. The combination of medical bills and wage loss (while you're out of work) can be financially devastating.
The insurance company who represents the at-fault driver will likely attempt to pin the blame on you. They may avoid compensating you for the full extent of your damages. That's why it's critical that you let an experienced North Carolina car accident attorney handle your claim for you.
The Law Offices of Richard Flexner can investigate your crash and help you get the compensation you need. To find out how we can help, contact our Wilmington office online or call us toll-free at 800-FLEXNER.
