Many of the accident and personal injury claims that lawyers handle involve motorcycle wrecks. Those who drive these vehicles in heavy traffic have to take extra measures to ensure their own safety. A vehicle accident lawyer may be able to help you file a claim if you’re hit by a motorist, but it’s best to prevent the wreck in the first place. When you’re out on the road on your bike, keep a few things in mind.
Studies have shown that people see what they expect to see and oftentimes don’t even notice what they don’t expect to see. For motorcyclists, this sometimes means that drivers will look right at you, but that they won’t snap to the fact that you’re coming at them. In some cases, they’ll pull right out in front of you or make a left-hand turn in front of you without warning and when you’re too close to swerve or brake. Watch out for drivers pulling in front of you at busy intersections and near parking lots.
A big rig collision for a motorcyclist means almost certain death. Coexistence is possible on the roads with these vehicles, however, provided that you give them the room they need. On the Interstate, be ready for a gust of wind when you pass or are passed by them. On smaller roads, give them plenty of room. Remember that they make wide right-hand turns. Never creep up alongside a semi on the right, even if it seems like you can make it through.
Opinions vary on the value of high-visibility clothing. It may make a motorcyclist more visible, but that doesn’t help cases where people underestimate your speed or where they see you but fail to recognize you as a vehicle. Bright colors have a dramatic effect on your visibility at night, however, and reflective clothing is very noticeable when in headlights.
If you do get in a wreck, consider talking to an attorney. Motorcyclists oftentimes have their right to the road trampled on by other drivers, with sometimes fatal results. If such a driver has injured you, there’s no reason you should be stuck with the medical bills and without compensation for your pain and suffering. When someone doesn’t respect that you have a right to be on the road, the legal system is there to level the playing field, and may help you get financial compensation.
