How To Avoid Motorcycle Accidents?

Riding a motorcycle is exhilarating, but it also comes with risks. Motorcycle accidents can lead to severe injuries and significant financial burdens. While not all accidents are avoidable, taking proactive steps to ride safely can drastically reduce your chances of being involved in a crash.

At InjuredBikerLaw.com, we understand the challenges and dangers riders face on the road. To help keep you safe, we’ve compiled this guide on how to avoid motorcycle accidents.

1. Wear Proper Safety Gear

Wearing the right gear is crucial for your safety. A well-fitted helmet, sturdy gloves, a protective jacket, riding pants, and boots can significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries. Make sure your helmet meets DOT or Snell safety standards.

In addition, wear brightly colored or reflective clothing to enhance your visibility to other drivers, especially at night or in low-light conditions.

2. Stay Visible to Other Drivers

One of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents is the failure of other drivers to see motorcyclists. Here’s how you can make yourself more visible:

Use reflective gear and wear bright colors.
Keep your headlights on during the day and night.
Position yourself in the lane to maximize your visibility to drivers, avoiding blind spots.
Use your signals to communicate your intentions clearly.

3. Ride Defensively

Motorcyclists are more exposed to risks than other drivers. Defensive riding means being aware of your surroundings, anticipating potential hazards, and taking proactive measures to stay safe. Key defensive riding practices include:

Maintain a safe following distance: Keep enough space between you and other vehicles to react in case of sudden stops.
Identify escape routes: Be aware of alternative paths to avoid collisions if an emergency arises.
Anticipate driver actions: Look for signs that other vehicles may change lanes, turn, or stop unexpectedly.

4. Be Cautious of Road Hazards

Motorcycles are more susceptible to road hazards than cars. Minor obstacles that may not affect a car could lead to a severe accident for a rider. Stay vigilant for:

Potholes and uneven pavement
Gravel or loose debris on the road
Oil spills and wet patches
Railroad tracks and road seams

When you approach a hazard, reduce your speed and adjust your riding position to avoid losing traction.

5. Never Ride Under the Influence

Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs your judgment, coordination, and reaction time. According to the NHTSA, alcohol is a significant factor in many fatal motorcycle accidents. Always stay sober when riding, and if you plan to drink, leave your bike at home or arrange for a sober ride.

6. Keep Your Motorcycle Well-Maintained

A well-maintained motorcycle is a safe motorcycle. Regularly inspect and maintain your bike to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to an accident. Key areas to check include:

Tires: Ensure proper inflation and adequate tread depth.
Brakes: Check for wear on the brake pads and maintain fluid levels.
Lights and signals: Ensure that all lights are functioning correctly.
Mirrors: Adjust your mirrors for maximum visibility.

7. Obey Speed Limits and Ride at a Safe Speed

Excessive speed reduces your ability to react to obstacles and increases the severity of an accident. Follow speed limits and adjust your speed based on road and weather conditions. Riding at a safe speed gives you more control and time to respond to potential hazards.

8. Take a Motorcycle Safety Course

Enrolling in a motorcycle safety course is one of the best ways to sharpen your riding skills and learn defensive techniques. Experienced riders can also benefit from advanced courses that cover emergency braking, cornering, and hazard recognition.

9. Be Extra Cautious at Intersections

Intersections are high-risk areas for motorcycle accidents. Many accidents occur when drivers fail to yield or turn without noticing oncoming motorcycles. Here’s what you can do to stay safe:

Slow down and be prepared to brake: Always approach intersections with caution.
Make eye contact with drivers: This helps ensure that they see you.
Watch for turning vehicles: Pay close attention to vehicles making left or right turns across your path.

10. Ride According to Weather Conditions

Adverse weather conditions like rain, fog, or high winds can make riding more dangerous. If you must ride in poor weather:

Slow down: Reduce your speed to maintain control.
Increase following distance: Leave extra space between you and other vehicles.
Use headlights and reflective gear: Make yourself more visible to others.

11. Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions

Distracted riding is just as dangerous as distracted driving. Avoid using your phone, adjusting your music, or engaging in any other distractions while riding. Keeping both hands on the handlebars and your attention on the road is essential for staying safe.

Final Thoughts on Motorcycle Safety

Motorcycle riding comes with inherent risks, but with the right precautions, you can significantly reduce your chances of being involved in an accident. Wear the right gear, stay visible, ride defensively, and be aware of road hazards. Additionally, following the speed limits, maintaining your bike, and avoiding distractions will help you stay safe on the road.

Even with the best precautions, accidents can still happen. When they do, it’s essential to have the right legal representation to protect your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Get the Legal Support You Need

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need an experienced attorney who understands the challenges motorcyclists face. InjuredBikerLaw.com is dedicated to helping riders get the compensation they deserve after an accident. Our experienced motorcycle injury attorneys will guide you through every step of the legal process and fight to protect your rights.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. Call 866.373.0743 or fill out our online contact form to get started. Let us be your advocate and support in this difficult time.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle riding is a thrilling experience that offers a unique sense of freedom among riders. However, motorcycle accident injuries can be catastrophic, both physically and mentally. Motorcycle accidents are a leading cause of serious injuries and death in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to be killed in a crash than passenger car occupants. In 2021, there were 5,932 motorcyclists killed, which accounts for 14% of all traffic fatalities. The team at InjuredBikerLaw urges all motorcyclists to make themselves visible, share the road, and be alert when out riding.

Types Of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

The reason that motorcycle riders are susceptible to injury is that they have little to no protection from an impact due to a collision. Common types of injuries that occur from motorcycle accidents include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries are the most serious type of injuries that a motorcycle rider can sustain. They typically range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. The symptoms can be very severe, and it is extremely important that all motorcycle riders wear a helmet to help prevent these injuries.
Spinal Cord Injuries
- Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or even complete paralysis. The extent of the paralysis is often determined by the portion of the spine that is injured.
Broken Bones
- In any part of the body, broken bones are extremely common for motorcyclists involved in an accident. The most common broken bones are in the arms, legs, or ribs.
Road Rash
- Road rashes are a type of skin abrasion that is common in motorcycle accidents where the rider fails to wear protective clothing.
Road Burns
- Road burns can derive from contact with hot asphalt or hot parts of a vehicle such as engine parts or exhaust pipes.

How To Treat Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Treatment for motorcycle accident injuries will vary based on the severity of the accident. Common treatments include:

Rehabilitation
- Rehabilitation therapy is important because it allows riders to regain mobility and strength after a motorcycle accident.
Surgery
- Every accident is different, but some accident injuries may require surgical procedures to repair potential broken bones or spinal cord injuries.
Medication
- Medications, such as antibiotics and pain relievers, may be prescribed to treat motorcycle injuries.

Long-Term Effects Of Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Unfortunately, victims of motorcycle accidents can suffer long-term effects, such as:

Disability
- Some motorcycle accident injuries can result in permanent disability for the ones involved.
Chronic Pain
- Many motorcycle riders experience chronic pain such as nerve or muscle damage after an accident.
Psychological Trauma
- Motorcycle accidents can be extremely severe and cause trauma to those involved. Many survivors experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important that you seek medical attention immediately, even if you think you may not be injured. It is common that injuries arise days or even weeks after the accident, and you may not even know about them. Contact the team at InjuredBikerLaw if you have been in a motorcycle accident, and we can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Call InjuredBikerLaw now or Schedule a free consultation

Don’t Ride Alone

7 New Hampshire Laws Motorcycle Riders Or Bikers Need To Be Aware Of

New Hampshire embraces a spirit of freedom and independence, and the regulations for its motorcycle riders are no different. Our attorneys at InjuredBikerLaw are also experienced riders, as we love to enjoy cruising and taking in the beautiful scenery. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you need an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to help you every step of the way.

1. Helmet Law:
Motorcycle riders who are 18 years or older are not required to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle. However, we strongly encourage all riders to wear helmets to ensure their safety and minimize head trauma in the event of a motorcycle crash.

2. Eye Protection:
According to the New Hampshire law, if the motorcycle is not equipped with a windshield or screen to protect the eyes and face of the rider, they are required to wear eye protection such as goggles or a face shield while the motorcycle is in motion.

3. Handlebar Height:
Excessively tall handlebars on motorcycles are considered unsafe for riders by state agencies. Handlebars cannot exceed the shoulder height of the rider.

4. Loud Exhaust:
Motorcycles can’t exceed 92 decibels when idling, 100 decibels for 3 and 4 cylinder motorcycles at 5,000 RPMs, and 96 decibels for all motorcycles at 2,000 RPMs. Motorcyclists must comply with these state rules to avoid a fine.

5. Lane Splitting:
Lane splitting (riding a motorcycle between lanes or rows of slow moving or stopped traffic moving in the same direction) is illegal in the State of New Hampshire, as it is considered extremely unsafe and a common cause of motorcycle accidents.

6. Motorcycle License Endorsement:
Knowing how to safely operate a motorcycle takes special skills. Applicants for a motorcycle license must take a DMV motorcycle skills test and pass a vision test in order to receive a motorcycle license endorsement.

7. Insurance Requirements:
It is common for riders to want the enjoyment of riding in the open road and enjoying the breathtaking scenery of New Hampshire. However, riding a motorcycle can be extremely dangerous, and getting in a motorcycle accident can cause severe injuries to the riders.

Motorcyclists are not required to purchase motorcycle insurance to ride in the State. However, it is strongly encouraged, as even a minor accident could result in serious injuries. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, our attorneys at InjuredBikerLaw have the experience and knowledge to get you the money you deserve.

7 Massachusetts Laws Motorcycle Riders Or Bikers Need To Be Aware Of

While every state has its own individual motorcycle laws for riders to abide by, Massachusetts is no exception. As riders pass over the beautiful landscape, it is important that you follow the rules and regulations to ensure maximum safety on the open roads. Our attorneys at InjuredBikerLaw are no different, as we love to ride and take in the scenery around us. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, you need an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve.

1. Helmet Law:
Massachusetts has a strict helmet law, and every rider and passenger is required to wear a helmet that meets the requirements from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

2. Eye Protection:
Riders are required to wear protective eyewear such as goggles or a face shield unless the motorcycle has a windshield.

3. Handlebar Height:
In Massachusetts, handlebars cannot exceed the shoulder height of the rider as excessively tall handlebars can be dangerous for riders.

4. Loud Exhaust:
The Massachusetts law states that a motorcycle can not exceed a limit of 82 decibels when traveling at a speed of 45 miles per hour or less, and a motorcycle can not exceed a limit of 86 decibels when traveling at a speed faster than 45 miles per hour.

5. Lane Splitting:
Lane splitting (riding a motorcycle between lanes or rows of slow moving or stopped traffic moving in the same direction) is extremely dangerous and a common cause of many motorcycle accidents. Lane splitting is illegal in many states, and Massachusetts is no exception. Lane splitting is prohibited in the State of Massachusetts.

6. Motorcycle License:
A class M motorcycle driver’s license is required for riders to operate a motorcycle in the State of Massachusetts. However, if you want to drive a car as well, you can get a motorcycle endorsement on your existing license. You will be required to pass a vision test and a motorcycle road test to obtain your license.

7. Insurance Requirements:
Motorcycle riders are required to carry liability insurance to cover bodily injury and property damage. The minimum liability coverage limits are:

Bodily injury to others: $20,000 per person, $40,000 per accident.
Property damage: $5,000 per property.
Bodily injury due to uninsured motorist: $20,000 per person, $40,000 per accident.

Due to the severity of injuries that can arise from motorcycle accidents, it is encouraged that riders go beyond the minimum insurance requirements. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, our attorneys at InjuredBikerLaw have the experience and knowledge to get you the money you deserve.

What Every Motorcycle Rider Needs To Know If Involved In A Motorcycle Accident

If you find yourself in a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to prioritize the safety of yourself and everyone else involved in the accident. If you are injured or there are any suspicions of injuries, seek medical attention by calling emergency services. If possible, move yourself and your motorcycle out of the way of traffic to prevent further accidents. Stay at the scene of the accident while you wait for the police to arrive to document the accident. It is crucial to exchange contact information, insurance information, and license plate numbers of everyone involved in the accident. Do not say you aren’t injured until you have sought medical treatment.

If possible, take detailed pictures of the accident, the damage done to the motorcycle and motor vehicles, and any visible injuries of all parties involved. If there were any witnesses to the accident, collect their contact information, as well, for potential statements. Additionally, notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible.

Refrain from admitting fault and do not discuss anything with anyone other than the police officer at the scene. Seek legal advice from an attorney at InjuredBikerLaw. Our attorneys at InjuredBikerLaw are riders, as well, and we know the ins and outs of motorcycle accidents more than anyone. We will guide you step by step throughout the process and make sure you get the money you deserve.

Don’t Ride Alone