Motorcycles accidents can cause serious harm and injuries to motorcycle accident victims. Drivers sharing the road with motorcyclists have a duty of care to help keep them safe and understanding how they can help do that is useful; it is also useful for injured motorcyclists to be familiar with the different types of protections available to them when they have been injured.
Ways to help keep motorcyclists safe
Drivers can follow a series of safety tips to help keep motorcycle riders safe including:
- Increasing following distance behind motorcycles: Motorcycles need more time and space to respond to abrupt driving changes which is why drivers should increase their following distance when traveling behind motorcycles to give them ample time to respond to any changes.
- Never share a lane with motorcycles: Though they are smaller, motorcycles need their complete lane of traffic for the same reasons mentioned above so they have enough time to adjust to unexpected roadway, traffic, weather or other driving conditions.
- Remain alert for motorcycles: Because motorcycles are smaller visual targets, they can sometimes be missed by inattentive drivers. Drivers should always scan the roadway for motorcycles, remain focused on driving and not drive while distracted. The number one driver error when the driver is to blame for a motorcycle accident is the driver failed to yield the right of way to the motorcycle. The majority of motorcycles accidents also take place at intersections so drivers should take extra care for motorcycles at intersections.
Legal resources for motorcycle accident victims
A personal injury claim for damages can help motorcyclists after they have been injured in a motorcycle accident. Motorcycle accident victims may be able to recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages from the negligent driver who injured them. Victims injured in a motorcycle accident and their families should be aware of the legal remedies available to help them through the aftermath of a motorcycle accident.
