Use our guide to understand key legal considerations and what to do after a motorcycle accident.
Safety Tips for Motorcyclists
1. Take a safety course
Courses are offered in all states and ensure you practice the maneuverability needed to ride safely on the road. Practice makes perfect, so before you find yourself in a situation and panicked about your next move, have the necessary skills under your belt to handle yourself appropriately and your bike. Find a course near you at www.msf-usa.org.
2. ATGATT
All the gear, all the time. Regardless of your state’s laws, take the personal responsibility to protect yourself against accidents. Just because you do not have to wear a helmet doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. Long sleeves, boots, pants, and gloves are recommended to reduce road rash. Accidents can become fatal in an instant. Make sure you are doing all you can to minimize injury.
3. Weather Conditions
Even a slight change in the weather can alter your driving experience. Check the weather before you ride. If rain, ice, or snow are in the forecast, consider changing your dates.
4. Inspect your bike and gear before riding
Remember T-CLOCS. Inspect your tire and wheels (T), controls (C), lights and controls (L), oil and other fluids (O), chassis (C), and stands (S). Your gear cannot protect you if it’s torn or you chose not to wear it.
5. Be aware of your visibility
Motorcycles are pretty narrow and are not seen as quickly on the side or rear-view mirrors. Always keep yourself visible. Do not tailgate.
Safety Tips for Drivers on the Road with Motorcyclists
1. Be Aware
When learning to drive a car, new drivers are taught to pay close attention to other vehicles at all times. Pay extra close attention when you see a motorcycle on the road near you. Over half of all motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle, and often, the driver of the car will say, “I didn’t see them.” See more than just the bike; see the person beneath the helmet and give the rider ample space.
2. Take Extra Time
Remember that motorcycles often slow down by shifting to a lower gear or releasing the throttle, and brake lights may not always be activated when doing so. It would be best if you kept a safe distance between yourself and the motorcycle to avoid a collision.
3. Limit Distractions
This is of key important whether driving alongside another vehicles or a motorcycle; limiting distractions is essential for the safety of all drivers. Minimize distractions such as eating, playing with the radio, and using your cell phone. Pay close attention when you are on the road with motorcyclists as their driving techniques are different from those in full-size vehicles.
4. Depth Perception
Motorcycles, because of their narrow stature, often appear further away in a mirror. When noticing motorcycles in a mirror, always assume they are closer than they are.
5. Blind Spots
Again, because of the narrow stature of a motorcycle, they are not as visible as a full-size vehicle and can be easily hidden in blind spots, such as door or roof panels, or masked by objects or backgrounds. Take the extra time to look closely for motorcycles before changing lanes or making turns.
Always remember that being proactive and driving defensively is superior to reactivity when behind the wheel. Employ safe driving regardless of the vehicle you are maneuvering. Teach your children to count motorcycles on the road from a young age; this will allow them to be more aware of them when they begin to drive. Ensure you are awake and alert when driving, minimizing distractions, and being aware of who is sharing the road with your vehicle. And if you find yourself in a situation where you have been injured in an accident, trust that Brown & Crouppen will be there for you every step of the way.
Get Help From The Motorcycle Accident Attorneys At Brown & Crouppen Law Firm
With 10 office locations throughout the Midwest including offices in Kansas City and St. Louis, our motorcycle accident attorneys can help you maximize the compensation of your motorcycle accident settlement by collecting evidence, handling the legal process, negotiating with the insurance company, and taking the case to trial if necessary. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, get help from the attorneys at Brown & Crouppen Law Firm. We’ve helped recover over $1 billion for our clients, including those that have suffered injuries as a result of a motorcycle accident.
Due to Missouri’s auto accident statute of limitations, it’s important to get started on your claim as soon as possible. Request a free case evaluation from the legal team at Brown & Crouppen, or call 888-801-9825 to get started.
