All motor vehicles are inherently dangerous, but without the same protection as cars and trucks, motorcycle accidents can result in very serious injury or even death. The best way to avoid serious injury is by preventing an accident altogether.
4 Tips to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents
While you can’t prevent every accident, here are tips that can help to minimize the risk.
1. Use caution when at intersections.
Motorcycle accidents commonly occur in intersections and are often extremely dangerous. A common scenario is that a driver common from the opposite direction fails to yield to a motorcycle about to go through a green light. The driver of the other vehicle may not have a green arrow but decides to make a left, causing the motorcyclist to crash into the side of their vehicle. This is why you should always be prepared when you are about to go through an intersection. Never assume that you know what a vehicle from the opposite direction is about to do (or not do). It’s also beneficial to keep your headlights on regardless of time of day, as this makes you more visible.
2. Be aware of all parked cars – and drive defensively.
Another common cause of motorcycle accidents occurs when someone in a parked car opens their door without taking notice of a motorcyclist coming up to pass them. When a motorist opens their door into a motorcycle, this is called a dooring accident. The force with which the motorcyclist often hits the door can be exceptionally dangerous and lead to severe injury. For this reason, you should always be aware of parked cars on the side of the road you’re on and drive defensively.
3. Keep an eye out for debris.
Some things that aren’t a big deal for drivers in cars and trucks can be life-threatening for motorcyclists. While debris, such as pieces of blown tire and gravel can cause a flat tire for many vehicles, for motorcycles it can lead to severe injury – especially if you go over it while in the midst of turning. Loose debris can cause a motorcyclist to lose control of their bike, flying off of it, and suffering broken bones, road rash, spine and brain injuries, and even death. Therefore you should always watch out for any debris and avoid riding your motorcycle on trails or backroads that aren’t regularly maintained.
4. Do your best to avoid others’ blind spots.
It’s obvious that motorcycles are much smaller than other types of motor vehicles. For this reason they are often overlooked or go unnoticed. When a larger vehicle is looking to merge or change lanes, if you are in their blind spot it’s unlikely that they will even see you. This is why it’s imperative that you do your best to avoid riding in other drivers’ blind spots.
The Attorneys at Ceja Law Firm Help Those in Houston Who Have Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident due to the recklessness or negligence of another, it’s vital that you understand what you are entitled to under the law. With this information under your belt, you can make important decisions regarding how you want to move forward. That’s why it’s in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced Houston personal injury attorney.
At Ceja Law Firm PLLC, we understand the impact that an accident can have on many parts of your life and the importance of properly dealing with such negligence or recklessness. That’s why we will work to get you the compensation that you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
