Motorcycle safety tips

Awareness of motorcycle safety can help save lives and prevent accidents

When the warm weather arrives in New York, many people put their motorcycles on the streets and highways. Some commute to work, while others head off on long touring trips. With so many bikes on the road, it's important for motorcyclists and motorists alike to be familiar with ways to stay safe and reduce risk of severe injury.

If you or a loved one was injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible for compensation. At the Law Offices of James Morris, a Buffalo accident attorney stands ready to provide a free, confidential consultation. Choose an attorney selected as a Super Lawyer who has handled serious motorcycle cases in Buffalo and communities in New York. Attorney James Morris knows how to recover the maximum compensation allowed under law for our clients who have suffered as a result of the negligence of others.

The following are safety tips for motorcyclists:

• Wear the right clothing and gear. Leather pants, gloves and coats will help protect your skin if you are in an accident. Leather can help reduce the risk of road rash and also protect you against the elements.
• Inspect the motorcycle. Loose bolts or other visible damage can potentially cause an accident. A quick inspection could save lives.
• Check your bike's tire pressure. It's important to have adequate tires and pressure so you can safely and easily take corners and turns.
• Wear your helmet. Helmets save lives by reducing your risk of head injuries. It's also illegal in New York to operate a motorcycle without a helmet.

The following are safety tips for motorists:

• Look out for motorcycles on the road. Motorcycles are small and can disappear in blind spots. Double-check for them.
• Motorcycles may be going faster than they appear. Their small size makes their speed hard to judge for drivers.
• Allow extra room for a motorcycle. Motorcyclists have the same rights on the road as other vehicles. It's important to respect their rights to be on the road. Also, motorcyclists often change speed or adjust position in a lane because of road conditions. Stay at least three or four seconds behind them.
• Look for motorcycles at intersections. More than one-third of accidents involving a motorcycle and another vehicle involve a vehicle making a left turn and the motorcycle is going straight.
• A motorcyclist's turn signal may not be self-canceling. The biker may have forgotten to turn the signal off. Wait to make sure the rider is really going to turn to avoid a crash.

Studies have found that motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a collision than are the occupants of the other vehicle. Bikers are five times more likely to sustain some injury than are the passengers in the other vehicle. Taking proper safety precautions may reduce your risk of injury or death. Many times, the driver of the car is responsible for not seeing the motorcyclist. If we represent you, we will hold the driver accountable for your injuries.

An accident due to someone's negligence can happen even to the safest motorcyclist. Our experienced attorneys can help. Contact us today.

Contact the Law Offices of James Morris today for a free, confidential initial consultation. You deserve justice if you've been injured due to negligence. It's important to have a qualified attorney at your side to protect your legal rights. Call (800) 477-9044. If we take your case, we don't get paid unless you win. The client may be responsible for disbursements advanced on the case.