Want a Motorcycle? Read This First.
Spring signals the beginning of motorcycle season, with many people ditching their four wheels for two and getting out on the open road. That’s why May is Motorcycle Safety Month. There’s nothing quite like the thrill and adventure you get driving a motorcycle on the open roads. However, if you’re not careful, a motorcycle accident can lead to catastrophic injuries or even death. In 2017, motorcyclists were 27 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in an accident.1 That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ever drive a motorcycle, it just means you need to take the proper precautions before you decide to ride.
What Motorcycle Safety Tips Should I Know?
Knowing what to do and what not to do while driving a motorcycle is crucial to staying safe. Below are some helpful tips to help you stay safe while riding a motorcycle:
- Wear a helmet! It’s one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself. No matter what, make sure you strap on a properly fitted motorcycle helmet before getting on your bike.
- Make sure you’re wearing other protective gear made of durable materials like leather or Kevlar pants, jackets, gloves and boots.
- Whether you are a new rider, or an experienced one, it’s always important to brush up on your skills by taking an approved rider training course.
- Put away all distractions and focus on the road around you. Don’t text, eat, or do anything else that requires your hands while you are riding.
- Make sure you’re paying attention to everything going on around you. Watch for parked cars that may be about to open their doors and for car signals and lane changes happening around you.
- Make sure to do a complete stop at red lights, stop signs and pedestrian crosswalks.
- Avoid listening to headphones or music while riding. While it might be nice to tune out the loud noises of traffic on your commute, it’s important you’re alert and listening to what is going on around you.
- Get your bike serviced regularly. A mechanical failure while riding your motorcycle can end in a catastrophic injury.
- Avoid swerving in and out of lanes.
- Don’t speed.
- Respect the cars and pedestrians around you, as well as the rules of the road.
Driving a motorcycle can be a lot of fun and a great way to get fresh air while getting around. As long as your stay alert, slow down, and follow these tips, you should be able to have a safe ride.
I’ve Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident. Do I Have a Case?
A serious motorcycle accident can happen to anyone, leading to catastrophic injuries, debilitating injuries, brain injury, severe orthopedic injuries, chronic pain, and death. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a motorcycle accident, there are a myriad of questions you need to know the answer to:
- Do I have a claim against an ‘at fault’ driver?
- Am I eligible for Statutory Accident Benefits?
- How do I deal with the insurance companies?
- How do I access and pay for the medical and rehabilitation care I am going to need?
Thankfully, De Rose Lawyers are here to help. Contact us today for a no obligation, free consultation.
Why Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
The path to compensation can be long and complex. For example, a lawsuit must be brought in Ontario within two years of the date of the accident. The statutory accident benefit care insurer is to be notified within 7 days of the date of the accident. Limitation dates are exceptionally complicated. If not met, you can be precluded from either Contract or Tort compensation.
Why Choose De Rose Personal Injury Lawyers?
With an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer from De Rose Law working by your side, you and your loved ones can concentrate and focus on “getting better.” Our personal injury team at De Rose Lawyers will help you navigate the legal process in order to make sure your rights and remedies are protected. Our firm has over 40 years of experience and will guide you through the complex legal, medical, and insurance issues, allowing you to focus on your rehabilitation and recovery.