Before calling your insurance carrier to file a claim, consider seeking legal counsel. Accident attorneys can help you gather evidence necessary to pursue legal recourse. You will likely be asked for a statement, which is why it is important to speak with an attorney before giving any statement. A statement can be used against you later if you’re not careful. Solicit legal counsel before making any statements. And never give a statement to an insurance agent until you’ve spoken to an attorney first.

Distracted driving causes motorcycle accidents

The number of motorcycle accidents has increased dramatically over the past few decades, and many blame the increase on distracted drivers. The number of motorcycle accidents was under three thousand a year in the early 1990s and hovers now at about five thousand. Distracted driving has numerous causes, including other objects, phone calls, emails, and daydreaming. Distracted drivers are also more likely to hit motorcyclists. As a result, it is essential for riders to ride defensively and use caution when on the road.

Another contributing factor to motorcycle accidents is speeding. A motorcyclist traveling at a high speed can have a hard time seeing other drivers, reducing their reaction time and potentially causing a collision with a motorcycle. Speeding also makes it more likely for the motorist to make a mistake, which increases the risk of overcorrecting. Distracted driving also contributes to fatigue and distraction, which both reduce response time.

Alcohol is a factor in 50 percent of all motorcycle accidents

Did you know that alcohol is a factor in 50 percent of motorcycle accidents? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released new data that shows the relationship between motorcycle operator BAC and fatal crashes. Motorcyclists who have consumed alcohol in the past are twice as likely to be involved in single-vehicle crashes than those who have not consumed alcohol. This is why it is critical for motorcycle operators to wear a helmet when riding.

Studies have found that alcohol plays a large role in many motorcycle crashes. While it’s true that motorcycle operators are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes than non-drinking drivers, the percentages vary widely. In fact, one-third of motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes had BACs of 0.08 or greater. The higher the BAC, the greater the risk of a fatal crash.

Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injuries due to their smaller size

One of the major causes of motorcycle accidents is the failure of the other driver to notice the biker. Despite the motorcycle’s similar rights to other vehicles, they require full lane width and cannot safely share the road with other vehicles. In 2016, approximately 40% of motorcycle crashes were caused by a car turning left in front of the biker. Because motorcycles are so small, drivers can’t always see the biker, so they are hidden in the vehicle’s blind spot.

The size of the motorcycles used in accidents also has an impact on the likelihood of serious injuries. Motorcycles are significantly smaller than cars, and their frontal surfaces are the first surfaces to be seen by other vehicles in a collision. While motorcycle riders are more likely to experience injuries, it doesn’t mean that all motorcyclist accidents are dangerous. Motorcycle fatalities have been increasing since 1997. According to the National Highway Safety Administration’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, motorcycle fatalities increased for the eighth consecutive year in 2004. Yet, motorcycle registrations increased by only 1 percent during the same time period.

They are more likely to be hit by a car

Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable to collisions than other types of vehicles. They are often hidden by larger objects. This means that motorists may not see them and they can suffer catastrophic injuries. Motorcycle riders often lack the protection of a car, leaving them open to a higher risk of fatality and catastrophic injuries. Statistics show that the Insurance Information Institute found that motorcyclists were 28 times more likely to die per mile than other types of vehicle occupants.

A recent study found that the most common time of year for motorcycle accidents was summer, especially July, August, and June. Similar studies have shown that these three months have the highest risk of a motorcycle being involved in a collision. Because people use motorcycles more often during the summer, the number of motorcycle accidents tends to increase. Fortunately, motorcycle accident data show that there are preventable factors that can help minimize the risks of serious injury in the event of a motorcycle collision.

Motorcycle Accident Safety Tips

If you’re a motorcycle driver, there are some basic rules of road safety that can help you avoid accidents on the road. You’ll want to wear a helmet, avoid congested traffic, and drive carefully. Here are some tips to avoid the most common motorcycle accidents. Remember: You can’t predict every accident, so be prepared for the worst. Fortunately, there are some common sense ways to stay safe. Consider the advice below.

Wearing a helmet

While the CDC recommends that motorcyclists wear motorcycle helmets to prevent lower extremity and brain injuries, the use of a protective headgear significantly reduces the chance of injury to the rider. Research shows that the use of a motorcycle helmet reduces the risk of death and serious head injuries by more than 37%. Helmet use is also associated with a decreased risk of traumatic brain injury. When a motorcycle crash is caused by a blunt force, the brain is affected and the impact can cause damage to the brain tissue, blood vessels, nerves, and even the spinal cord.

Riding off the road

Riding off the road for motorcycle accident safety means slowing down when you see a car waiting to make a turn. Taking the right side of the road or merging into the shoulder can help prevent a head-on collision. It also means observing the road for any hazards and road signs. These are all great ways to protect yourself from an accident. Riding off the road can also help you stay out of the path of a distracted driver.

Avoiding congested traffic

While riding a motorcycle, you should avoid being in the blind spots of other drivers. Many motorcycle drivers will not look for the motorcycle in front of them before exiting the vehicle. Another way to avoid being rear-ended by a car is to check your mirrors often at traffic light stops. When in doubt, flash your brake light. In a bad weather, double this distance. By following these tips, you can avoid motorcycle accidents and have a safe journey.

Avoiding distracted driving

Among the most common causes of motorcycle accidents, distracted driving can put riders at risk. Approximately 40% of motorcycle accidents are the result of a driver’s inability to see a motorcycle. Because distracted drivers are unaware of their surroundings, they cannot make reasonable safety precautions. Fortunately, there are some simple steps that motorcyclists can take to reduce their risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident. These steps can help motorcycle riders stay safe and prevent injuries.

Maintaining your motorcycle

There are a number of important maintenance tips for motorcycle safety. Checking the tires for blowouts, checking the brakes and clutch, and checking the fluid levels in the motorcycle are all essential maintenance procedures. A recent study found that nearly 28% of fatal motorcycle accidents involved someone who was drunk. Checking all these items will help keep you and other motorists safe on the road. Read on to learn more about motorcycle safety.

New York Motorcycle Accident Injury Prevention Tips

New York State’s No Fault law and insurance will not protect you in a motorcycle accident. If you were not wearing a helmet, riding in bad weather, sharing the road with another vehicle, or wearing unprotected eyeglasses, you are likely to qualify for compensation. If you are the passenger in the other vehicle, however, your attorney can add the other driver’s medical bills to your claim. Although you may be entitled to compensation, you must prove that you were at fault.

Avoid wearing a helmet

While wearing a motorcycle helmet will not completely prevent injuries from a motorcycle accident, it does improve your odds of preventing serious head trauma. If you’re riding in the rain, you should definitely wear a helmet. Otherwise, your hair will get wet and your vision will be blurred. You might also lose consciousness and be distracted by wet hair. A helmet is one of the most important safety precautions for motorcycle riders.

Avoid riding in bad weather

If you’re planning a motorcycle ride in rainy weather, you may want to stay home and check your brakes and engine before heading out. Oil and other fluids on the road can reflect rainbow colors and make braking difficult. The most dangerous time to ride in rain is the first hour after a storm, because visibility is poor and you’ll have less time to react and avoid an accident. Even the best motorcycle rides can be dangerous if the weather is bad enough.

Avoid sharing lanes with other drivers

In New York City during rush hour, motorcyclists often try to pass other cars in their lanes by lane splitting. This common maneuver is also known as “stripe-riding,” “white-lining,” or “filtering.” However, this practice is dangerous, especially in congested areas, where other cars may suddenly stop and hit a motorcyclist. The following are some common mistakes that motorcyclists should avoid when sharing lanes with other drivers.

Avoid wearing unprotected eyes

It is imperative to wear eye protection while riding your motorcycle. Even a minor irritation can throw you off-balance and cause you to lose control of your bike. Wearing eye protection while traveling will help you avoid eye injuries and be less of a safety hazard for other drivers. Make sure to buy a comprehensive bike insurance plan that will cover unforeseen circumstances and damage to your bike. It is not a waste of money to buy bike insurance that will protect your motorcycle.

Avoid speeding

If you are a motorcyclist, you probably want to avoid speeding. You can easily get into an accident while speeding. In fact, speeding is one of the top causes of motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists have also made lane-splitting fashionable, so avoid it at all costs. You’ll also be more likely to hit other vehicles if you can’t stop quickly enough. The result? A deadly collision.