A Motorcyclist’s Survival Checklist

It is an unfortunate reality that riding a motorcycle is inherently dangerous, and that many other drivers on the road do not give motorcyclists the space and respect they deserve. In many cases, this is not on purpose—most drivers have never ridden a motorcycle themselves, so they don’t fully understand the dangers associated with it.

There’s also the issue that motorcycles can be a little more difficult to see than other types of vehicles on the road, simply because they’re smaller. This goes for seeing motorcycles in rearview and side mirrors, as well as when preparing to make left turns across traffic. Many motorcycle accidents happen simply because the liable driver failed to see the motorcyclist coming.

Clearly, there are many hazards associated with riding a motorcycle, whether you’re in a dense urban environment or on an open country highway. While part of the onus is on other drivers to make sure they’re driving safely and giving you the space you need, it is also helpful to make sure you are doing everything you can to keep yourself safe. Here are just a few tips from an accident injury attorney in Miami, FL that can act as your “survival checklist”:

• Always wear protective clothing: Every single time you go out on your bike, no matter how far you’re traveling, you should wear a helmet and skid protective clothing that covers you from head to toe. You should also be sure to wear reflective clothing if you’re out at nighttime. In the event of an accident, you’ll be glad you did. Don’t worry about looking “cool”—that shouldn’t be what you’re concerned about when out on your bike. Your safety should come before everything else, and this gear could very well save your life.
• Use a helmet camera: It can be a good idea to have a helmet camera that’s always filming while you’re driving. This could provide sufficient evidence of other drivers’ lack of safety if you end up getting into an accident.
• Get medical help: If you get into an accident, the chances of you being able to just drive away from the scene after issues are sorted out is much smaller than it would be if you were in a regular car. You should always take the opportunity to get medical assistance after a motorcycle accident. You’re almost certainly going to have some abrasions, and could very likely have some more serious injuries as well.
• Speak to an attorney: Before you contact your insurance company, make sure you talk to an attorney who represents clients in motorcycle accident cases and understands motorcycle safety issues. This will give you the best strategy for negotiating with your adjuster and avoiding doing potential damage to your case.
• Watch the weather: In severe weather, avoid going out on your bike at all. The risk just isn’t worth it.

For more information about staying safe on your motorcycle, contact the office of Ruben J. Padron, PA to speak with an experienced accident injury attorney in Miami, FL.

Categorised in: Personal Injury Attorney