Staying Safe on the Road: Motorcycle Edition

What Are the Rules and Regulations?

The sad truth about motorcycle accidents is that they are rarely minor. More often than not, motorcycle accidents cause significant, life-altering injuries. In most cases, injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents are expensive as victims have to pay medical bills and replace lost income due to the intensity of the injuries. If you’re a motorcycle rider, read the following tips to help you avoid motorcycle accidents and understand what legal steps you should take if you ever experience a motorcycle accident. 

Safety Tips 

Similar to other road users, motorcyclists have to follow the same rules and regulations on the road. You have a responsibility to abide by all traffic laws and regulations, just like a motor vehicle driver. A few safety tips you should follow to prevent accidents are:

• Update your motorcycle’s insurance and registration
• Wear proper protective clothing as well as an approved motorcycle helmet whenever you are riding the motorcycle
• Update your Class 6 Driver’s License for operating motorcycles
• Don’t exceed the number of passengers your motorcycle is designed to carry
• Don’t drink and drive
• Don’t lend your motorcycle to anyone under the age of 16 or without a Class 6 Driver’s License
• Add reflective strips to your motorcycle to help other drivers see you at night 

While these steps help many motorcyclists avoid accidents, they do not eliminate the possibility of other factors that could also result in motorcycle accidents. For instance, poor roads, extreme weather conditions and reckless drivers can result in serious accidents that are unfortunately unavoidable. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, follow the steps below to help you receive the compensation you deserve.

What to Do After A Motorcycle Accident?

• Seek Medical Attention

Ensuring your safety is more important than anything else. After a motorcycle accident, you must seek immediate medical attention. After reporting the accident to the police and receiving a police report, some motorcyclists feel that their injuries could be “minor” and don’t require medical help, only to find out later that they are in extreme pain and have suffered severe injuries. Motorcycle accident injuries aren’t always visible to the naked eye. Some victims have suffered from internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries and broken bones, but due to the adrenaline rush and the shock of the collision, they couldn’t initially feel the impact of the injuries right after the accident. 

• Document the Damages

Anything from x-rays, test results, and doctor prescriptions to lost days of work and out-of-pocket expenses qualify as damages. Rather than relying on memory to recall the damages and injuries that you have sustained, keep track of all your damages by saving receipts, test results, images and updating your journal with any changes or expenses resulting from the motorcycle accident. The more information you can provide, the stronger your case will be. By documenting your damages, you will be able to receive the compensation you deserve. 

• Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

As soon as you have addressed your injuries, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer immediately. You will likely be bombarded with calls from insurance companies trying to get a statement from you to offer you a low settlement. Avoid negotiating with an insurance company at all costs, and speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer first. The truth of the matter is insurance companies don’t have your best interest in mind. Their goal is to make the most profit and minimize their payout as much as possible. Instead, speak to an injury lawyer as soon as you possibly can to learn about your legal rights and the best course of action for your claim.

Looking for an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

For over 30 years, James H. Brown and Associates has represented many victims of motorcycle accidents and fought for their rightful compensation. Our team understands firsthand the hardships of being seriously injured and offers our customers the support they need. We proudly link victims with organizations ready to assist with recovery and rehabilitation while our team follows through with investigations to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to book a free evaluation claim with one of our injury lawyers.