Motorcyclists usually have to keep an eye out for a distracted auto driver much more diligently than other motorists do. This is because those riding motorcycles are much more susceptible to severe injury and even death. A distracted auto driver can cause an accident that changes the life of someone who rides motorcycles, or even ends it.
How to Stay Safe When Riding Motorcycles
The most important thing you can do when riding a motorcycle is to make sure you can be seen. You’ve probably driven a car as well and know the common blind spots many of them have. If you are on a motorcycle, try to be aware of these blind spots and stay out of them.
Another thing you can do to ride motorcycles much safer is to increase the sound of your bike’s exhaust, so it’s easily heard. You can also use that sound when you need to by revving your engine if a car is moving too close to you or into your lane of travel.
Motorcycle Crash Statistics
The National Safety Council has compiled some sobering statistics when it comes to accidents involving motorcycles and a distracted auto driver. While it may be easily believed that nearly all motorcyclists killed on US roadways in 2017 were men, you might be startled to learn that even though motorcycles drive only .3% of all miles traveled in the US, motorcycle accident fatalities accounted for 14% of traffic fatalities overall.
More About Motorcycle Accidents
The National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration is by far the authority on vehicle accidents that happen in the US. For accidents occurring in California, the California Office of Traffic Safety will usually be involved. It’s important that an accident involving a motorcycle and a distracted auto driver be investigated.
If you have been involved in an accident while riding a motorcycle, be sure to make a police report when law enforcement arrives. If you aren’t able to because you require emergency medical attention, then you will need to request a copy of that police report from the agency with jurisdiction. This police report will have the information you need when filing a personal injury claim against the distracted auto driver that caused the accident.
Have you been injured by a distracted auto driver? If you were involved in an auto accident while riding a motorcycle in Visalia,, Merced, Bakersfield or Fresno it’s important that you contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in the area. The Maison Law Firm, and Martin Gasparian in particular, may be able to help you receive compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and more.
