Tips for Your Motorcycle Commute with James H. Brown

With summer getting closer every day, many Edmontonians are excited to take their motorcycles out in the city. However, it is critical that motorcyclists take precautions to ensure safety for everyone on the road, including themselves.

To help get you started, you’ll find James H. Brown and Associates’ top tips for motorcycle commute safety below.

1. Wear Your Gear

Safety gear is the best way to avoid serious injury during your commute. Approved helmets, eyewear, gloves are essential, and full leather gear is highly recommended, especially when travelling at high speeds. The latter can (literally) save your skin in the event of an accident.

2. Stay Alert

Safely operating a motorcycle demands your total physical and mental attention. Especially early in the morning or after a long day at work, it can be easy to become less alert. Many of the worst motorcycle accidents occur when fatigue starts to set in, so take breaks when necessary. Remember: fellow drivers on the road are likely in the same boat, so make sure to stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

3. Make Your Presence Known

Especially in crowded rush-hour traffic, visibility is a critical part of motorcycle safety. You can do many things to make yourself more visible, including using hand signals when turning, adding reflective strips to your bike and gear, and riding in the tire track that makes you the most visible to other drivers.

4. Maintain a Safe Distance on All Sides

Just because motorcycles have shorter stopping distances doesn’t mean you can follow other vehicles closer. Always maintain safe and appropriate spaces between you and other cars, and make safe, controlled passes and turns when necessary. Give vehicles carrying big or unstable loads extra room, and avoid riding in anyone’s blind spot.

What to Do if You’re Injured in a Motorcycle Accident

Each year, countless individuals are injured in motorcycle accidents on Alberta highways. If it happens to you or someone you’re riding with, take the following steps to protect yourself and your loved ones:

Seek medical attention. Even if your injuries don’t appear serious, it’s never a bad idea to get checked out after any accident. Even seemingly “minor” injuries can worsen over time, and many insurance companies will doubt the severity of your injuries if you don’t get them looked at right away. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when you may have to pursue a claim.
Keep track of changes. If a motorcycle accident prevents you from working, leads to additional expenses, or otherwise changes your day-to-day routine, keep track of it. We encourage all of our clients to keep a journal of “damages” and lifestyle changes caused by their accident. If you need to make a claim or seek a settlement, this information will be vital for getting complete and fair compensation for your injury.
Seek legal advice. Getting sound legal advice is essential after sustaining a serious injury. Alberta motor vehicle accident law is complicated; getting a professional opinion and an experienced team on your side quickly can help you secure the compensation you need to move forward toward recovery.

Motorcycle Accident Injury Law with James H. Brown and Associates

For the last thirty years, James H. Brown and Associates has been dedicated to standing up for accident victims in Edmonton and across Alberta. Our team knows firsthand what it’s like to be seriously injured, and has over 200 years of combined experience getting results in motor vehicle accident claims.

No two motorcycle accidents are the same; that’s why we offer a full range of services and support for our clients, including:

An award-winning team of injury lawyers with an unrivalled record of success.
Investigation and evidence preservation services, including accident reconstruction and analysis.
Strong relationships with organizations ready to assist with rehabilitation and recovery.
And much more!