There are thousands more cars and trucks using our roadways than motorcycles yet half of all motorcycle crash fatalities involve a car or truck that was at fault in the accident. According to one motorcycle safety awareness organization there are several things that drivers should be aware of when sharing the roads with motorcyclists and they include:
- Motorcycles have a narrow profile often making them invisible in a car’s blind spot or masked by objects or back rounds such as bushes, fences, bridges, etc. so take an extra second or two before changing lanes or turning at an intersection to allow for this.
- Because motorcycles are so much smaller than regular vehicles they often appear to be farther away than they actually are and it also makes it more difficult to judge the speed at which they are traveling. This knowledge should help you to expect them to be closer than they look.
- Drivers of cars & trucks ordinarily slow down by applying the brakes but it is common for a motorcyclist to slow down by downshifting or rolling off the throttle so no brake light comes on as a visual warning they are slowing.
- Motorcyclists often change their position within the driving lane to make themselves more visible, to avoid road debris, to allow for passing vehicles, and during windy conditions. Land change position is normal and does not indicate recklessness or disregard for other drivers.
- The turn signals on a motorcycle are not usually self-cancelling as in a vehicle and it may be that the driver, especially if they are a beginner, has forgotten to turn them off after a turn or a lane change.
- Although a motorcycle has great maneuverability, you cannot always expect that a motorcycle can “get out of the way” quickly.
- Slippery or wet pavement can make it more difficult for a motorcycle to stop quickly.
- Remember that the motorcycle rider is a person who could be your friend, neighbor or a relative.
Poor Judgement & Disobeying Traffic Rules Leads to Accidents
Even though you may be doing everything right when you are out riding or driving, there are always going to be other drivers who decide to drive in a manner that is unsafe and ultimately cause serious injury to others in traffic accidents.
Some people use poor judgement and drive while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Many people are unaware that even prescription drugs, if they are found to be at fault in a car accident, can result in a DUI charge. According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics every 2 hours 3 people are killed in DUI highway accidents. Other drivers think they can speed or disobey traffic rules without consequence.
If you have been injured in any type of vehicle accident it is important to have a personal injury attorney on your side. Your personal injury lawyer can help make sure you receive full & fair compensation for your injuries.
Financial Burden of Motorcycle Accident Victims is Major
It is very important to get legal representation from a motorcycle accident attorney because injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident are usually very serious and the injured & their families bear a great financial burden from medical bills, therapy, rehabilitation, loss of income, and sometimes ongoing lifetime care.
The insurance company is always going to look out for their bottom line and pay out the least amount of compensation they believe they can, so you need a personal injury attorney who is on your side and will fight to make sure you receive all the financial benefits you are entitled to, in order to adequately take care of your needs.
Joel Baskin Serving Atlanta Including Cobb & Fulton Counties
Contact Joel Baskin, who has been serving the needs of the injured for many years in the Atlanta area for help with your motorcycle accident claim. Joel has two convenient Atlanta office locations in East Point and Vinings. Call today for a free initial consultation and see what Joel can do for you.