Motorcycles are one of the most fun and economical ways to get around. However, they are more dangerous to drive than four-wheelers. A variety of factors can contribute to a motorcycle accident and injury. In most cases, motorcycle riders sustain serious injuries because the motorbike does not offer the kind of protection that is possible with a car.
Regardless of the circumstances, it is essential to make sure you follow safe riding practices and act responsibly on the road when you operate a motorcycle. It is also necessary to understand your legal rights when a bike accident results in your injuries due to another’s fault.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident because of the negligence of another party, you need a skilled personal injury attorney to help you obtain the maximum damages. The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is one of the most respected law firms in Atlanta. For a free consultation with one of our Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers, call us today at (470) 323-8779 or contact us online.
Ways to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents in Atlanta
Georgia ranks 18th among various US states regarding annual motorcycle-related fatalities. With 139 deaths in 2017, 154 deaths in 2018, 170 deaths in 2019, and 179 deaths in 2020, motorcyclist fatalities have increased each year. Even if you take the necessary precautions, you can still find yourself in an accident that can cause serious harm. To ensure your time on the road is accident-free, here are several things you can do to keep yourself safe as a rider:
Wear Protective Gear
Protective gear can significantly reduce injuries and fatalities among riders and passengers. Wearing protective gear includes wearing a helmet, eye protection such as goggles or eyeglasses with plastic or glass lenses, long sleeves, long pants, over-the-ankle boots, gloves, and brightly colored reflective clothing for visibility. The clothing should fit properly so it does not interfere with your driving, but it should also protect your skin if you are involved in an accident.
Inspect Your Motorcycle before Riding It
If your motorcycle isn’t well maintained, it may malfunction while you are riding it, resulting in injury-causing or fatal accidents. Check the tires and ensure they have enough air. Look at the lights and make sure they are working properly. It is also essential to examine the brakes, clutch, and throttle to ensure they are working properly.
If any parts of your motorcycle seem loose or worn out, fix them or consider replacing them before getting back on the road. If you don’t have time to do this yourself, visit a certified dealer to do this work for you. These pre-trip inspections could save your life.
Take Motorcycle Safety Course
If you’ve never ridden a motorcycle before, you may be nervous about getting on the road for the first time. It’s important to prepare yourself for the journey before jumping on your motorcycle. This includes learning basic safety skills, like carrying a passenger properly or selecting the right pair of motorcycle gloves.
Plenty of courses are available to help you understand these skills through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or at a dealership. If you take a class, one perk may be qualifying for better rates on motorcycle insurance.
Check the Weather Conditions
Though you can safely ride in various conditions, some weather conditions are more challenging than others. If you’re going to be riding in the winds and heavy rain, pack an extra jacket and gloves with you. You never know how long you’ll be out or how much time you’ll have for changing clothing if your ride gets longer than expected.
If there’s a chance of rain, adjust your speed accordingly, even if it means going slower than usual in perfect weather. And always take the extra time to reinstall your fairing before hitting the road if the wind is predicted to be particularly bad.
Ride Defensively
As a motorcyclist, you’re vulnerable on the road. Even if you’re an experienced rider, you must ride defensively. Keep up with defensive driving techniques — that means watching for cars that may cut in front of you or turn without signaling. Try to anticipate what other drivers might do so that you can be prepared if anything goes wrong.
You should also be especially cautious when approaching intersections and when preparing to make left-hand turns at any point on the road — these are common accident sites for motorcycles because drivers often don’t see them coming until it’s too late.
Don’t Ride in Blind Spots
The best way to avoid being hit by another vehicle while on your motorcycle is to stay out of their blind spots. When stopped at an intersection, position yourself so that you won’t be directly behind a vehicle when traffic starts moving again. Signal when turning or changing lanes, and check your mirror to make sure no one is riding alongside you.
It’s also important to note that not all motorcyclists ride at eye level with drivers, so even if you see someone in your rearview or side mirror, they may not be able to see you. Do not follow directly behind another vehicle and try to stay just ahead of it or slightly off to its side.
Get Insured
Remember that even the most cautious motorcyclist can become involved in an accident through no fault of their own. Should you ever be involved in an accident when riding a motorcycle, having the proper insurance can help make a physically traumatic and challenging situation at least financially more manageable.
Schedule a Consultation with the CEO Lawyer
Motorcycle accidents are often more devastating than other crashes because there is less protection for riders and passengers. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident due to another’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation.
The injury and accident attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm have more than 30 years of combined experience representing people who have suffered injuries in motorcycle crashes. We are well-equipped to handle a wide range of personal injury cases and offer our clients open communication, personal attention, and aggressive representation to get them the best possible results.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta or elsewhere in Georgia, contact the CEO Lawyer at (470) 323-8779 or reach us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our dedicated Georgia motorcycle accident attorneys.
