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May is Motorcycle Safety Month. Millions of people ride motorcycles throughout the United States. Unfortunately, thousands of riders are killed and injured each year in motorcycle crashes. In this blog, our New Jersey personal injury attorneys review tips for protecting yourself from motorcycle accidents.
Complete a Motorcycle Safety Training Course
According to the New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety, 90% of the riders involved in motorcycle accidents have no formal training. Motorcycle training courses help riders understand road safety and develop skills to reduce the risk of motorcycle accidents.
Motorcycle training courses teach riders to anticipate and effectively handle hazards and dangerous situations. Improve your riding skills during Motorcycle Safety Month by taking a motorcycle safety course.
Wear the Proper Motorcycle Gear
A rider has very little protection from the impact of a collision. Wearing protective clothing and gear helps reduce the risk of severe injuries in a motorcycle crash. Examples of motorcycle safety gear include:
- A DOT-compliant motorcycle helmet
- Riding boots
- Full-fingered riding gloves
- Full-coverage jackets
- Riding pants
Motorcyclists may want to consider purchasing special clothing designed to provide additional protection in an accident. Motorcycle helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of death and severe head injuries in crashes. Riders in New Jersey are required by law to wear a DOT-approved helmet.
Know the Rules of the Road
Riders should know and follow traffic laws to reduce the risk of an accident. It is crucial to know and understand the information provided in the New Jersey Motorcycle Manual. The manual provides information, including but not limited to handling dangerous surfaces, checking your motorcycle, keeping the proper distance, and checking blind spots.
Drive Defensively
Other drivers do not pay enough attention to motorcycles. Therefore, riders need to pay attention to other drivers. Never assume a driver sees your motorcycle or will yield the right of way. Use caution when turning and pulling out. Always try to have an escape route to avoid a collision.
Make yourself more visible by wearing reflective, brightly colored clothing. Do not drive in a vehicle’s blind spot longer than necessary. Always give yourself sufficient time and space to brake and react to another driver’s actions or items on the road.
Never Operate a Motorcycle While Impaired
It is never safe to operate a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. However, a motorcyclist could also be impaired if they are taking over-the-counter medications that make them drowsy. They may also be impaired if they are fatigued or drowsy. Always ensure you can operate a motorcycle safely to reduce the risk of crashes.
What Should You Do After a Motorcycle Accident in New Jersey?
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, protect your rights. Call 911 to report the crash and seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries. Never admit fault or agree to provide a recorded statement without legal counsel. If possible, take photographs and make a video of the accident scene.
Insurance companies try to blame motorcyclists for causing accidents, even when the riders did nothing wrong. The goal is to avoid liability for economic and non-economic damages by shifting the blame. An attorney can help you fight allegations of contributory fault.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Motorcycle accidents can cause life-altering injuries for riders. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, call Nagel Rice LLP for a free consultation with an experienced New Jersey motorcycle accident attorney. Our personal injury attorneys fight for the rights of motorcyclists to receive fair compensation for their accident injuries.