South Florida Injury Attorneys Blog
Riding a motorcycle comes with great responsibility to protect yourself and others on the road. Practicing certain safety tips can help reduce accidents and save lives. Bikes are fast and they have the power to accelerate quickly, which means there is very little room for error by cyclists and other drivers on the road.
When a motorcycle crash occurs, the results can be devastating and sometimes deadly. Accident victims and their families are often left with massive medical bills, property damage, and other hefty expenses related to the incident. Discussing your accident claim with a licensed attorney may be essential to help cover these costs.
At the law office of Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, our accomplished attorneys never settle for less when we work on motorcycle accident cases. We strive to help our clients obtain the fair amount of compensation they deserve when negligent parties are accountable for their damages. You can set up a complimentary initial consultation with one of our reputable Boynton Beach motorcycle accident lawyers today.
Since our experienced lawyers have over 40 years of combined experience, we have seen vehicle accidents of all types, including motorcycle crashes. Read on to learn some important safety tips we recommend practicing to help avoid a serious collision.
Safety Precautions for Motorcyclists
Motorcycle riders are at a much higher risk of suffering from severe injuries or even death after a serious crash. Unfortunately, bikes do not have the same safety features as a car would. For example, there is no metal barrier protecting the rider as a car would, so anything they come into contact with will most likely cause serious injuries.
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take that may help prevent a serious motorcycle crash, such as:
Check the Weather Report
It is always a good idea to check the weather before heading out on your motorcycle. Since bikes only have two wheels, it means they have much less grip on the road, compared to vehicles with four wheels. Unexpected flash flooding situations can make it nearly impossible for bikers to get to their destinations safely. If you must drive through poor weather, remember to wear a bright rain suit so other drivers can notice you on the road. When the weather gets bad, drivers tend to focus more on the rain and may not be looking out for motorcycles on the road.
Inspect Your Bike
It is always a good idea to check your bike and its surroundings before you go for a ride. The bike may need some maintenance or something could be behind the tires, which could cause damage, such as a nail or broken glass. Check the tires to ensure they have enough air and tread. Be certain your motorcycle has the proper amounts of fluids it needs to avoid issues while you are riding.
Wear Protective Gear
Before going for a ride, always try to use protective gear and make a personal checklist to ensure you have everything you need. The checklist should include a helmet, jacket, gloves, and eye protection. Although these are the most basic forms of protective gear, there may be additional measures you could take to help keep you safe, such as packing a small first aid kit, if possible.
Avoid Alcohol and Drugs
Motorcycles are mostly used for fun and people ride them for leisurely activities. Riders may be tempted to have a few drinks or partake in the use of drugs before hitting the road. However, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only illegal in Florida and throughout the United States, but it is also downright wrong and dangerous. Intoxicated riders put themselves and others at great risk of severe injury and possible death. If you need to travel, ask a sober friend to drive or call for a ride.
Ride Defensively
Always be on the defensive when riding your motorcycle. Remember, you are sharing the road with other drivers and pedestrians, and they may not always see you coming. Obey all local traffic laws, be aware of your surroundings, and ride defensively.
Watch Your Speed
It is important to always be mindful of the local speed limit and slow down during times of inclement weather or high traffic situations. The faster you travel, the less time you have to react to other drivers or unexpected obstacles on the road. The higher the speed, the more damage can be done.
Take a Motorcycle Safety Class
Although you may have many years of experience riding a motorcycle, it is always a good idea to take a refresher course to keep you sharp. You may learn about some new precautions or technologies designed to keep you from getting injured.
Speak to a Lawyer You Can Trust
If you or a family member was involved in a motorcycle crash, you could be eligible to seek financial compensation to pay for your damages. Speaking to a lawyer you can trust can help you hold at-fault parties liable for your medical costs, lost income from missing work, pain and suffering you endured (at the time of the crash and during recovery), property damage, and more. If you lost a loved one in the accident, surviving family members could pursue compensation based on loss of future income, loss of consortium, and funeral and burial expenses.
At the law firm of Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, our dedicated lawyers aim to protect the rights of motorcycle accident victims throughout the state of Florida, including the Boynton Beach area. Altogether, our firm has served over 6,000 clients while recovering over $100 million combined in successful verdicts and settlements. Take a look at our client testimonials page to see what some of our past clients have to say about working with us.
Learn more about how you can seek compensation for your damages caused by negligent parties by contacting a knowledgeable attorney at our firm today. During a no-obligation, free initial consultation, we will discuss your legal options and review your claim to let you know if you have a significant chance to recover compensation.
Call Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers today at (561) 800-8000 to set up a no-cost, initial evaluation.