How to Be Safe on a Motorcycle and What to Do if You Crash

There are few things quite like cruising down the road on a motorcycle with the wind against your face. Many would agree that it’s one of the most exhilarating feelings you can experience. While it is an incredible experience, it’s also important to keep in mind motorcycle safety. No matter how responsible of a rider a person is, no one can prevent mistakes, carelessness or inattention from others on the road.

Should an accident occur, riders don’t have nearly as much protection as if they were behind the wheel of a car. According to the Rock Hill motorcycle accident attorneys at Schiller & Hamilton, the rider is likely to get hurt in some way in an accident, particularly if they collide with another vehicle. The injuries seen in these accidents can often be serious or even fatal.

What can you do to help avoid a motorcycle accident? If something does happen, what are the steps to take after a crash?

5 Tips for motorcycle safety

1. Always, always, always wear a helmet.
2. Wear the appropriate gear at all times. The thick leather can help protect your skin from road rash if something happens.
3. Stay awake, alert and sober. Complete undivided attention while riding is so important in order to ride safely. Keep your eyes open for other drivers and stay out of their blind spots as best as possible.
4. Follow traffic rules—go the speed limit and use your signals far enough in advance that other drivers will know what you’re doing.
5. Give your motorcycle a full checkup before you head out. How are the tires, brakes, fluids, lights, mirrors, and horn?

What do you do if you crash?

While you may try your hardest to stay safe on the road as a motorcyclist, it’s impossible to control the reactions of other drivers behind the wheel. St. Louis, Missouri motorcycle accident injury lawyers at Sansone, Sumner & Lauber suggest taking the following steps if an accident does occur:

1. Always call 9-1-1 and report the accident—a police report is crucial when making an insurance claim.
2. Take photos at the scene with your camera. As Howard Spiva, a personal Injury attorney in Savannah, GA explains, you may need these photos later if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
3. Even if you believe you may have caused the accident, do not admit fault to anyone else at the scene.
4. Head to the hospital and get an evaluation right away. Explain to the doctor that you’ve been in a motorcycle crash.
5. Find an experienced motorcycle accident attorney to handle the dirty work for you so that you can focus on feeling better.

According to VA personal injury lawyers, if you’re injured in an accident, personal injury claims can help with so much more than medical bills. Consider time at work that you’ll lose while injured—filing a personal injury claim can compensate for missed income. These claims can also include property damage and any pain and suffering endured after the accident.

Stay as alert as possible while riding to help prevent an accident, but be prepared to take action if something does go wrong!