The call of the open road is hard to resist. Each day, you find yourself yearning to get on your motorcycle for a trip, however, you should know motorcycle-related deaths have been on the rise since 2000. In 2016 alone, nearly 5,000 people died in motorcycle accidents.
We know the devastation motorcycle accidents can cause, so we're offering the following motorcycle safety tips to help keep you safe.
Helmets Work!
Helmets that meet Department of Transportation standards are the single most effective means of reducing the number of people who die or suffer serious injury in motorcycle crashes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC). Helmets reduce the potential for a deadly crash by 37 %, as most motorcycle fatalities are caused by traumatic brain injuries. Even when not fatal, a traumatic brain injury requires lengthy rehabilitation, and can sometimes not be treated completely.
Wear Appropriate Gear
In addition to a helmet, other clothing can be used to minimize the amount of injuries you sustain in a skid. Leather clothing, gloves, and boots with non-skid soles are best. You should also wear protective eye gear or a face shield. If you get something in your eye, you will not be a safe driver. Protect yourself and others.
Make Yourself Visible
In a perfect world, car drivers would spend time and energy deliberately looking out for motorcycles. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world. Dress in bright colors. Neon is a good choice. Also, consider clothing with reflective tape. You can purchase and apply reflective tape to clothing you already own. Take the steps necessary to increase your visibility.
Understand Semi Truck Blind Spots
Semi trucks have enormous blind spots. These include 20 feet in front of a truck, and 30 to 200 feet behind the truck, depending on the type of trailer and mirrors a truck has. Additionally, trucks cannot see you if you are one lane to the right or two lanes to the left from the middle of the driver’s cab to the back of the trailer and beyond. Motorcyclists should be particularly mindful of blind spots on trucks, because the blind spots are so large.
H2: If You Have Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident
Sometimes, despite taking every precaution, someone is injured in a motorcycle accident. If you have been injured in an accident, or if you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. For a lost loved one, compensation may include funeral expenses, medical bills, and the loss of companionship. For injured people, compensation can include medical bills, past and future lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact the Law Office of Raul A. Guajardo, P.L.L.C. We offer free consultations to discuss whether you might have a case. There is no cost to you to meet with us to talk about your situation. If we take your case, there is no charge unless we win. You have nothing to lose.
