Motorcycle Accident Tips
Every day, someone in this country is hurt or killed in a motorcycle accident. In fact, motorcycle accidents are one of the leading causes of death for certain age groups, especially older drivers who have discovered motorcycling as a fun and relaxing weekend sport. Most motorcycle accidents occur at night, and more motorcyclists are killed by passenger vehicle drivers than any other single cause.
Motorcycle accidents routinely involve death, dismemberment, and other critical or life-threatening injuries. This is because motorcyclists have very little protection against ejection from the bike if struck by another vehicle. Motorcyclists ejected from the motorcycle can suffer broken necks from contact with the pavement or other objects; many are killed when they strike buildings or even the car that hit them.
While motorcycle accidents can be deadly, the most ironic thing about them is that they are often blamed on the motorcycle rider, even if he or she is in no way to blame for the accident. This is because the media has portrayed motorcycle riders as careless risk-takers, when the truth is that most motorcyclists are safe and careful operators. However, the "Hell's Angels" stereotype remains prevalent and even rational people tend to think a motorcyclist involved in an accident is somehow to blame for the crash.
The truth is that most motorcycle accidents are caused by people who are either operating a car carelessly or needlessly interfere with a motorcycle operator’s right to the road. Motorcycles should earn the same degree of respect as another car with right-of-way privileges, room for passing, and other courtesies of the road; unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Most car drivers simply do not consider a motorcycle in the same category as another car when it comes to yielding the right of way or allowing for time at an intersection. This is not usually out of anger or personal meanness, but the consequences of ignorance can be just as deadly to motorcycle operators.
One way to help make yourself safer on a motorcycle is to take a defensive driving class especially designed for motorcycle riders. You will learn some strategies for avoiding accidents with cars that may one day save your life.
If you are involved in a California motorcycle accident, you must talk to a personal injury attorney immediately in order to preserve your rights and file a claim for damages. Do not wait--your time for filing a claim is limited, and you can lose your right to sue for damages if you wait too long. Never settle your case with an insurance company or lawyer without first discussing the matter with an expert personal injury attorney. You may be surprised at how much compensation you can claim for your injuries, including lost time from work, pain and suffering, and ongoing rehabilitative care. However, the chances of you making a good recovery on your claim are limited if you do not involve a good personal injury attorney, as most insurance companies will put great pressure on you to settle for a smaller amount. Talk to a personal injury lawyer today if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, and make a sound investment in your recovery and your future.
