How to avoid motorcycle accidents

Motorcycle riders face risks every time they hit the road, often because other drivers aren’t paying attention. That’s why learning how to avoid motorcycle accidents is critical for staying safe and protecting your future.

The best way to reduce your risk is to make yourself visible and ride like no one can see you. Wear bright, reflective gear, stay out of blind spots, use your headlights even during the day, and always ride defensively. Small changes in how you ride can make a big difference in avoiding serious injuries. Our West Palm Beach motorcycle accident attorney can help you recover fair compensation from the at-fault driver and protect your rights after a motorcycle wreck.

How riders can protect themselves on the open road

There are plenty of actions you can take to reduce the risk of getting hurt while riding:

• Wear a helmet, even though Florida law allows riders age 21 and older to go without one if they carry at least $10,000 in medical insurance coverage for motorcycle injuries. A DOT-approved helmet and protective gear can help prevent serious injuries.
• Follow all traffic laws and posted speed limits; failure to yield the right-of-way or excessive speeding increases your risk of a collision.
• Stay off your phone. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents, and using a phone involves all three types of distractions: Physical, cognitive, and visual.
• Stay sober and alert. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, even prescription medications with indications not to use heavy machinery, slows your reaction time, impairs your balance, and can cause you to make risky decisions you otherwise wouldn’t.
• Use caution in inclement weather. Rain, storms, and other bad weather make the roads slippery and your bike harder to control. Avoid riding in the rain if possible, and if you must, ride slowly and maintain a greater following distance.

Take a motorcycle safety course

The Florida Rider Training Program (FRTP) uses a curriculum developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) to teach riders the fundamentals of safe and responsible motorcycle operation. Most Florida course providers now offer the Basic RiderCourse updated® (BRCu), a 15-hour training course that introduces new riders to both the physical and mental skills needed for safe riding.

As of July 1, 2008, Florida law requires all new motorcyclists to complete the Basic RiderCourse (BRC or BRCu) to obtain a “Motorcycle Also” endorsement or “Motorcycle Only” license. These courses include instruction in straight-line riding, cornering, emergency stops, swerving, rider perception, and hazard avoidance. Motorcycles, helmets, and insurance are provided for the course, but riders have to bring their own gloves, eye protection, long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy over-the-ankle footwear.

If you’re already licensed, you can also take an Advanced RiderCourse® (ARC) or BRC2 to sharpen your skills and reduce your risk on the road.

Make sure your bike is in good working order

Do a pre-ride check of your bike before firing it up, including making sure the tires are properly filled, your lights and turn signals are operational, and the brakes work. Many accidents could be avoided if the motorcyclist had checked their bike for functionality.

Follow the right maintenance schedule for your bike, too, getting new tires and booking preventative maintenance to prevent small, fixable problems from becoming dangerous, large ones.

Most common motorcycle accident situations

Intersections, especially during left-hand turns, are one of the most common locations for motorcycle collisions. Drivers making a left turn may misjudge your speed or fail to see you altogether, leading to a side-impact crash.

Road hazards also pose a unique threat to motorcycle riders. Uneven pavement, potholes, loose gravel, and even grass clippings blown into the roadway can reduce traction and stability, especially when turning or braking.

Heavy traffic on multi-lane roads is also dangerous. More cars mean more potentially distracted drivers who may miss seeing the slimmer profile of your bike. Avoid being in the blind spot of vehicles around you by positioning yourself in front of or behind them, rather than directly to their side.

Even parked cars can be dangerous; dooring accidents are more common than you think, and even if you’re not going very fast, you could land head-first on the pavement and get seriously injured.

What to do after a motorcycle accident

Your safety comes first, so always call 911 after a wreck. Prompt medical attention gives you the best chance of healing. When the police arrive, they can coordinate the exchange of information between you and the other driver and compile a police report that contains the details of the event.

Call a lawyer as soon as possible. They can protect your rights and help you get fair compensation for your injuries. And, avoid speaking with the insurance company before consulting your lawyer. They may try to pin the blame on you or manipulate you into accepting a lowball settlement offer.

Injured in a motorcycle accident? We’re here to help

Even the most careful riders can end up hurt because of someone else’s negligence. Knowing your legal rights after a crash is the first step toward recovery.

Have you been involved in a motorcycle accident you didn’t cause? Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers can advise you of your legal options and help you get the compensation you deserve. Call Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath today at (561) 655-1990 for a free consultation.