Warmer weather is just around the corner and this means more people will be riding motorcycles. If you have a motorcycle, it’s extremely important to balance the excitement of riding with a few safety practices. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in an accident than drivers of passenger vehicles. They are also six times more likely to be injured than other drivers.
Due to the lack of protection a motorcycle offers, motorcyclists are at risk for serious or fatal injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and amputations
- Leg injuries
- Eye and facial injuries
- Severe road rash and lacerations
- Permanent disfigurement and/or disability
These types of injuries may require extensive medical treatment and may leave the motorcyclist unable to return to work or care for their family.
What can you do to reduce the likelihood of suffering these injuries?
The NHTSA recommendations include simple yet important points such as:
- Wear the proper helmet and wear it every time you ride
- Wear leather or denim clothing
- Drive safely and follow the traffic laws
- Make certain that your bike is in good condition
If you are in an accident, you will need full and fair compensation to cover your injuries and other losses. You will probably need a lawyer to help you seek compensation because motorcycle accident claims can be difficult to prove. People often just assume the motorcyclist was at fault, but a skilled attorney can investigate the accident and determine who is liable.
