Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents occur everyday; an average of 3,000 motorcyclists are killed every year, and the number is
increasing. Motorcycle accidents usually result in much worse injuries for the driver of the motorcycle than for
the driver of a car, van or truck, yet motorcycle accidents are rarely the fault of the motorcycle driver. Instead,
the driver of the car, van or truck usually causes the accident because they fail to notice the motorcyclist. If
you drive a motorcycle, here is a list of ways to help prevent motorcycle accidents:
- Wear a helmet. Helmets save thousands of lives every year. Also wear heavy
boots and thick clothing to protect against abrasions and road rash.
- Maintain a safe distance between yourself and other vehicles. Remember, the
faster you are going, the more distance you need.
- Drive as if every other vehicle has failed to notice you. Provide plenty of
space when you turn or merge, and never cut in front of other vehicles.
- Signal properly and for a sufficient amount of time. Your lights are smaller;
use hand signals as well, and err on the side of giving more than enough notice.
- Always avoid riding in other driver’s blind spots.
- Riding with other motorcycles increases your chances of being
seen.
- Don’t speed. More than one-third of the fatalities each year are
motorcyclists who are speeding.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident or if you witness one, here are some
steps you need to take to prevent further injury to yourself:
- Call 911.
- If you are able, protect yourself or the victim away from oncoming traffic,
or stop traffic if possible. Consider every motorcycle accident as a head, neck, back or brain injury. You
should not move yourself or the victim if there is any chance of injury to these areas.
- Also, maintain a safe distance from the motorcycle if possible. In more than
half of the crashes investigated during recent years, fuel leaks were present, which greatly increases the risk
of fires. Do not allow anyone present to smoke.
- Do not move yourself or the victim if there are serious injuries; wait for
medical personnel to arrive.
- After you have checked yourself for injuries, assess the injuries of other
drivers.
- Always remain at the scene of the accident.
- Note the facts, such as location, license plates and vehicle descriptions,
and write them down or take pictures if you have a camera.
- Exchange insurance information, but do not talk to anyone but police about
details of the crash.
- Call your insurance agent.
- If you've been in a motorcycle injury or accident, call me at (303) 293-8191 or Click Here for my contact page
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