According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 27 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a crash, and 4,985 motorcyclists were killed in traffic accidents in 2018. While these statistics aren’t great, there are things you can do to reduce your chances of having an accident.
Being involved in an accident can be a stressful experience, and sometimes it can be difficult to know what to do or where to begin. Do you need to take photos? Should you see a doctor? Should you consult a personal injury attorney? Below are some common causes of motorcycle accidents, things you can do to reduce your risk, and five steps to follow if you do have an accident.
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You should always wear a helmet and protective eye wear or a face shield. Wearing a helmet may protect you from serious head injuries. According to the CDC, wearing helmets can reduce the risk of sustaining a head injury in a motorcycle accident by 69% and the risk of death by 37%.
Wearing protective garments, such as leather clothing and gloves can help minimize injuries you may sustain during an accident.
Riding a motorcycle requires greater coordination and a different skill set than driving a car, so make sure you are properly trained before you ride. Don’t assume that drivers of cars or trucks can see you. To increase your visibility, stay out of other drivers’ blind spots, and keep your headlights on. You should also follow traffic rules and posted speed limits.
Don’t ride if you are drowsy or if you have been drinking. Depending on your weight, metabolism, gender, and how much food you have eaten, you may begin to show signs of impairment after only a couple of drinks, even if you have not reached the legal limit. Alcohol consumption can slow your response time and make riding dangerous.
Make sure your motorcycle is properly maintained. Check your tires for signs of excessive wear, and make sure the air pressure is correct. Check your fluid levels, and make sure your headlight, taillight, and turn signals are working properly. Taking a few minutes to do this may help you prevent potential problems.
If you are in an accident, call 911 and report it immediately. Most states have laws requiring you to report accidents immediately, and if you leave the scene of the accident without reporting it, you could be committing a crime in some states. If you or anyone else is injured, you should be checked out by a medical professional.
Unless you are incapacitated, get contact information for anyone involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses. It is important that you not say anything that could be construed as an admission of fault, even if you feel the accident is your fault. As part of the information collecting process, take photos of your motorcycle, any other vehicles involved in the accident, and the street, intersection, or location where the accident occurred. If you are unable to take photos, ask somebody else to do it for you.
Even if you don’t require hospitalization, you should still see your doctor. Your doctor may find evidence of injuries that may not be immediately obvious to you, and you may not be aware of some injuries until hours after the accident or even the next day.
Notify your insurance company of your accident by calling the “Claims” number on your insurance card or policy. Your representative will help you proceed with your insurance claim.
A personal injury attorney can explain your legal rights and potential liabilities as they pertain to your accident. Your attorney can help you determine how to best handle your case.
By understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents and taking safety precautions, you can reduce your risk of having an accident. And if you do have an accident, following these steps can get you on your way to recovering from it, both physically and financially.
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