As adventurous and appealing as riding is, without proper instruction or even experience it could be a nightmare. As a motorcycle accident lawyer Dekalb County GA relies on can attest, the speed and weight of motorcycles are faster than your average car and more vulnerable to fatal or more injuring accidents. Despite the fact that accidents do happen, the nature of most motorcycle accidents are deemed to be more taxing than your average accident. Contrary to measures that are taken to prevent serious harm or injury, helmets and pads may not be enough for how drastic. The cold reality is that motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to die in a crash than people in a car, and nearly half of all motorcycle deaths are the result of single-vehicle crashes.
No matter how cautious of a rider you are, there is still risk involved if you are not visible to drivers. Risk is tremendously reduced by riders who wear brightly colored or reflective clothing, those who keep their headlight on at all times (which might be required, depending on your state), and using turn signals to clearly show your intentions (even if the road seems empty). Aside from your helmet, there’s plenty of other essential motorcycle gear that can boost your safety:
- Long-sleeve leather jacket. If not leather, a heavy, synthetic material also works. Should be tight enough to not flap in the breeze but still allow you to move freely.
- Leather/synthetic pants. Should cover your legs completely and fit similarly to the jacket.
- Sturdy boots or shoes. Should cover and support your ankles, have short heels that won’t catch on the road, with non-slip soles. Don’t forget to tuck away laces.
- Sturdy gloves. Should cover your fingers completely and allow a firm grip.
- Shatter-proof goggles or face shield. A windshield is not a replacement for these.
In the event you have been involved in a motorcycle accident through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to you should contact a professional who will be able to articulate your rights. Because you aren’t an attorney, you should reach out to someone who can assist you in determining if you have a claim to seek compensation for any injury caused by any incident. Also, you may be entitled to financial compensation for any wages loss or medical bills. By speaking with an attorney, you are making the choice to regain control of the situation following the direction of a trained professional.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. for their insight into finding an attorney.