News & Events

How to Prevent & Address Motorcycle Accidents and Injuries

Posted: July 23, 2020

A motorcycle is vastly different from a car, and it deserves to be treated as such—by drivers, by passengers, and by lawyers, if a motorcyclist finds themselves injured due to an accident. Motorcyclists have all the same rights as any other vehicle on the road, but unfortunately, a motorcycle accident injury is often far more serious than a car accident injury, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In addition to the potential for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and spinal cord injuries (SCIs), motorcycle accidents can also cause lower extremity injuries, internal injuries, bone fractures, road rash and degloving.

In order to keep yourself safe on a motorcycle, here are a few simple steps to take:

  • Before riding a motorcycle, make sure you are properly licensed by your State’s licensing agency. Of all the motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2017, 29% were riding without a valid motorcycle license.
  • Before every ride, check your motorcycle’s tire pressure, tread depth, hand and foot brakes, headlines, signal indicators and fluid levels.
  • Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet
  • Be alert. Remember, you can see cars better than they can see you.
  • Never operate your motorcycle after drinking alcohol of any kind.
  • Always comply with traffic lights, signs, speed limits, lane markings and other rules meant to keep you safe.

However, oftentimes, motorcyclists will follow all of the guidelines above and still find themselves the victim of a motorcycle accident injury caused by a negligent driver, like getting hit by a car taking a left-hand turn or attempting to back out of a driveway. When that happens, if you are able, keep yourself safe from any additional harm by following these simple steps:

  • If you are safely able, remove yourself from the road and other potential oncoming traffic.
  • Once you are in a safe place, call 911.
  • Do not remove your helmet or gear while you wait for paramedics.
  • Seek medical attention, even if you don’t see any obvious signs of injury.
  • Seek legal representation to fight on your behalf. 

If you or a loved one has experienced a motorcycle accident injury, contact Yarborough Applegate today to learn more about your options.

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